bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective multi‐institutional study on hemangiopericytoma in Polish children
Authors: Bien Ewa , Stachowicz‐stencel Teresa , Godzinski Jan , Balcerska Anna , Izycka‐swieszewska Ewa , Kazanowska Bernarda , Madziara Wojciech , Perek‐polnik Marta , Mankowski Przemysław , Nurzynska‐flak Joanna , Rybczynska Aleksandra , Prokurat Andrzej ,   Oncological Centers of the Polish Pediatric Solid Tumors Study Group
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground:  Pediatric hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is an extremely rare vascular tumor with little data available on its clinical course and management.Methods:  Fourteen children with HPC registered in Polish Pediatric Rare Tumors and Polish Pediatric Soft‐tissue Sarcomas Studies between 1992 and 2002 are reported.Results:  Seven patients (F/M: 5/2, age 2–10 months) had infantile HPC, four of whom had primary tumors affecting superficial tissues of the trunk and upper limbs. No child had initial nodal or organ metastases. Primary excision (PE) was performed only in three patients with superficial lesions. They received no supplemental treatment. The remaining four children responded well to chemotherapy (CHT), entering complete remission after CHT alone (n= 2) or after delayed resection (n= 2). No relapses occurred and all patients were alive 48–146 months after treatment. Seven patients (F/M: 2/5, age 3.2–16.5 years) had adult‐type HPC, five of whom had tumors localized in superficial tissues of the lower limbs or head/neck. All patients presented with locally advanced disease. PE was performed in five children (complete in four); all patients were alive at follow up of 40–127 months. Three patients died of recurrence after incomplete PE despite supplemental chemo‐ and radiotherapy.Conclusions:  Complete surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment for both HPC types. In unresectable adult‐type HPC adjuvant chemo‐ and radiotherapy should be administered in macro‐ and microscopic tumor residues, but the prognosis is poor despite supplemental treatment. High chemo‐responsiveness of infantile‐type HPC produces a favorable outcome even in cases of unresectable, life‐threatening tumors.
MORE ACCURATE PREDICTION OF POST‐ERCP PANCREATITIS BY 4‐H SERUM LIPASE LEVELS THAN AMYLASE LEVELS
Authors: Nishino Takayoshi , Toki Fumitake , Oyama Hiroyasu , Shiratori Keiko 
Published: September 2008

Background:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare 4‐h post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia as predictors of post‐ERCP pancreatitis.Methods:  We reviewed 1631 consecutive cases consisting of 910 cases of diagnostic ERCP and 721 cases of therapeutic ERCP. Pancreatitis was diagnosed when abdominal pain persisted for 24 h after ERCP and the pain was associated with high serum amylase level and/or lipase level.Results:  Pancreatitis developed in 69 (4.2%) of the 1631 cases. The receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curve of both the 4‐h amylase level and the 4‐h lipase level after diagnostic ERCP showed good test performance, with area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85–0.91) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96), respectively. The ROC of both the 4‐h amylase level and the 4‐h lipase level after therapeutic ERCP also showed good test performance, with an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90–0.93) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97), respectively. The optimal cut‐off value for lipase after both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP was 10‐fold the upper limit of the normal range. The serum lipase value after both diagnostic ERCP (P = 0.025) and therapeutic ERCP (P = 0.035) was a more effective predictor of post‐ERCP pancreatitis based on the areas under the ROC curve than was the serum amylase value.Conclusions:  The 4‐h post‐ERCP lipase value is more useful for predicting pancreatitis after both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP.
COMPARISON OF ENDOSCOPIC DETECTION RATE OF EARLY GASTRIC CANCER AND GASTRIC ADENOMA USING TRANSNASAL EGD WITH THAT OF TRANSORAL EGD
Authors: Yoshida Yukiya , Hayami Yoko , Matuoka Masaki , Nakayama Satoshi 
Published: September 2008

Background:  To investigate the influence of the reduced image quality of transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with the ultrathin endoscope (transnasal EGD) on endoscopic diagnoses, we compared the detection rate (DR) of early gastric cancer and gastric adenoma by transnasal EGD with that of transoral EGD using a standard endoscope.Methods:  Transnasal EGD was carried out in 2791 examinations for the purposes of screening or other reasons. Controls were examined by transoral EGD and numbered 3591 examinations. The transnasal endoscope used was an EG530N. Lesions graded C‐3 or higher by Kimura‐Takemoto's classification were regarded as endoscopic atrophy.Results:  (i) DR in all subjects and those with atrophy were not different between transnasal and transoral EGD. (ii) Multivariate analysis of DR in subjects with atrophy was carried out using five variables: gender, age, purposes of endoscopy, endoscopic insertion route and the four endoscopists. DR was significantly higher in males or subjects ≥60 years. No difference was noted between the endoscopic insertion routes (transnasal vs transoral). (iii) The subjects analyzed in (ii) were divided into the transnasal and transoral groups, and multivariate analysis of DR was carried out using four variables. DR was not different among the endoscopists in the transoral group. However, in the transnasal group, DR increased as the years of endoscopic experience was prolonged.Conclusions:  Multivariate analysis detected no significant difference in DR between transnasal and transoral EGD. However, a significant difference in DR by transnasal EGD among the endoscopists is detected. Transnasal EGD should be carefully carried out by experienced endoscopists.
NEWLY DEVELOPED OPTIMAL BAND IMAGING SYSTEM FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: Yoshizawa Mitsuyo , Osawa Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Hironori , Satoh Kiichi , Nakano Hidetoshi , Tsukui Mamiko , Sugano Kentaro 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Magnifying narrow band imaging system is useful for the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. However, it is difficult for the operator of the scope to maintain the correct distance between the tip of the endoscope and the gastric mucosa for appropriate visualization. The newly developed optimal band imaging system can reconstruct good spectral images derived from ordinary endoscopic images and enhance the mucosal surface without magnification as well as with low magnification. This imaging technique is based on narrowing the bandwidth of the conventional image arithmetically, using spectral estimation technology.Methods:  We evaluated endoscopic features of 30 lesions with elevated‐type, 32 lesions with depressed‐type and two lesions with flat‐type early gastric cancer using this new system.Results:  We found the best images in all cases of early gastric cancers by using a specific combination of the following three wavelengths available in this system: 470 nm for blue, 500 nm for green and 550 nm for red. The optimal band images showed the depressed‐type early gastric cancer as reddish lesions distinct from the surrounding yellowish non‐cancerous area, leading to a clear demarcation line between the cancerous and non‐cancerous mucosa without magnification. Moreover, 30–40‐fold magnified optimal band images showed a clearly irregular microvascular pattern or a microstructure pattern of the mucosal surface in all types of gastric cancers.Conclusion:  This new system can provide useful information for diagnosing various types of early gastric cancers without and with low magnification.
NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMENAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR PREOPERATIVE STAGING IN A PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT
Authors: Kitano Seigo , Yasuda Kazuhiro , Shibata Kohei , Yoshizumi Fumitaka , Kawaguchi Koji , Suzuki Kosuke , Ohta Masayuki , Inomata Masafumi , Shiraishi Norio 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Many experimental studies have shown the technical feasibility of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We report the first clinical application of natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy in Japan for preoperative staging in a patient with pancreatic cancer.Methods:  A submucosal tunnel was created for safe peritoneal access and secure closure of the gastric‐incision site.Results:  Transgastric peritoneoscopy provided an excellent view and allowed approach to various areas of the abdominal cavity. After confirmation of operative curability, the patient underwent an open standard operation without complication.Conclusions:  Natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy for cancer staging using the submucosal tunnel technique appears to be feasible and safe.
Treatment options and strategies for acute severe pulmonary embolism
Authors: Hamilton‐Craig C. R. , McNeil K. , Dunning J. , Walters D. L. , Slaughter R. , Kermeen F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is the third most frequent cause of cardiovascular death after ischaemic heart disease and stroke. In fatal PE, 2/3 of patients die within first hour of presentation. There is a clinical impetus to rapidly recognize, risk‐stratify and appropriately treat patients with acute severe PE. Current recommendations present conflicting classification systems, and there is often some confusion in the clinical evaluation and management of patients with acute severe PE. This review presents a series of real clinical cases, which illustrate the available treatment options, ranging from conservative therapy to thrombolysis through to percutaneous catheter fragmentation and open surgical embolectomy. We evaluate the evidence for the various strategies and propose an algorithm for clinicians with a focus on early risk stratification and timely referral. This is particularly relevant to regional and remote centres, as well as secondary and tertiary institutions.
Ecological fitting by phenotypically flexible genotypes: implications for species associations, community assembly and evolution
Authors: Agosta Salvatore J. , Klemens Jeffrey A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractEcological fitting is the process whereby organisms colonize and persist in novel environments, use novel resources or form novel associations with other species as a result of the suites of traits that they carry at the time they encounter the novel condition. This paper has four major aims. First, we review the original concept of ecological fitting and relate it to the concept of exaptation and current ideas on the positive role of phenotypic plasticity in evolution. Second, we propose phenotypic plasticity, correlated trait evolution and phylogenetic conservatism as specific mechanisms behind ecological fitting. Third, we attempt to operationalize the concept of ecological fitting by providing explicit definitions for terms. From these definitions, we propose a simple conceptual model of ecological fitting. Using this model, we demonstrate the differences and similarities between ecological fitting and ecological resource tracking and illustrate the process in the context of species colonizing new areas and forming novel associations with other species. Finally, we discuss how ecological fitting can be both a precursor to evolutionary diversity or maintainer of evolutionary stasis, depending on conditions. We conclude that ecological fitting is an important concept for understanding topics ranging from the assembly of ecological communities and species associations, to biological invasions, to the evolution of biodiversity.
Anatomy and systematics of the minute syrnolopsine gastropods from Lake Tanganyika (Caenogastropoda, Cerithioidea, Paludomidae)
Authors: Strong Ellen E. , Glaubrecht Matthias 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe minute syrnolopsine gastropods endemic to Lake Tanganyika have been allied to a number of freshwater, marine and terrestrial groups as a consequence of superficial conchological similarity. Although early anatomical studies confirmed the cerithioid organization of this clade, their close relationship to other lake species was not consistently recognized. In several recent cladistic analyses based on molecular data, the higher taxonomic placement and sister group relationships of syrnolopsines have been unstable. The present analysis confirms that syrnolopsines possess a spermatophore‐forming organ – a synapomorphy of the Paludomidae – corroborating their placement in this family. Consistent with the molecular data, syrnolopsine monophyly is supported by two characters that occur exclusively in this group (salivary gland ducts that bypass the nerve ring and a linear albumen gland). Several characters inMartelia tanganyicensis– the most diminutive syrnolopsine – are only evident in the smallest lake species thus far investigated (Bridouxia,Stormsia) namely reduction of ctenidial leaflets, sorting area, intestine length and number of statoconia. These features are interpreted as being correlated with reduction in size. Nevertheless, close examination reveals differences in detail that allow more refined hypotheses of homology and are consistent with their independent origin.
Eyes and vision in Arion rufus and Deroceras agreste (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Pulmonata): What role does photoreception play in the orientation of these terrestrial slugs?
Authors: Zieger Marina V. , Vakoliuk Irina A. , Tuchina Oksana P. , Zhukov Valery V. , Meyer‐Rochow Victor Benno 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper deals with the orientational behaviour in the two terrestrial slugs Arion rufus and Deroceras agreste. It presents anatomical details of their eyes and provides an appraisal of the eyes’ optical system. In both species the retinae contain two principal types of cell: photoreceptive and pigmented supportive cells. While only the eye of A. rufus apparently contains neurosecretory neurones, that of D. agreste is the only one equipped with a small additional retina with its own separate lens. Lens shapes vary between ovoid (A. rufus) and spherical (D. agreste). Our results demonstrate that the camera‐type eyes in A. rufus and D. agreste have optical systems that do not allow the production of a sharp image on the retina. The slugs demonstrate negative visually mediated phototactic behaviour, but no polarization sensitivity. Only one aspect of the visual environment, namely the overall distribution of light and dark, seems to be important for these slugs. As the main role of the slugs’ photoreceptors is to monitor environmental brightness and to assist the animal in orientating towards dark places, we conclude that these slugs do not need to perceive sharp images.
The relationship between preoperative prostate‐specific antigen and biopsy Gleason sum in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a novel assessment of traditional predictors of outcome
Authors: Pierorazio Phillip , Desai Manisha , McCann Tara , Benson Mitchell , McKiernan James 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason sum, and its impact on biochemical failure (persistent PSA level of >0.2 ng/mL) after radical prostatectomy (RP), as the PSA, Gleason sum and clinical stage are commonly used preoperative predictors of outcome in men with localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe Columbia Urologic Oncology Database was reviewed (1988–2006); 3460 had undergone RP. Patients who received neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy or had incomplete data were excluded, yielding 1932 in the analysed sample. Analysis of variance (anova) methods were used to assess differences in PSA level (on a log scale) among three different groups of patients, categorized by their Gleason sum scores, as <7, 7 and >7. To account for full penetrance of PSA screening, surgery before 1998 was considered as a potential confounder. anova was used to determine whether the association of Gleason score and PSA levels differed before and after 1998. The effect of PSA level on biochemical failure was examined for variance among the three Gleason score groups using a Cox proportional hazards model with time to biochemical failure as the outcome, logPSA, Gleason sum (<7, 7 and >7), their interaction, and clinical stage as the predictors. Concordance indices (c‐index) were calculated for the model with and without the interaction term between PSA and Gleason sum to determine its significance.RESULTSOf 1932 patients, 1190 (61.6%) had a Gleason sum of <7, 595 (30.8%) of 7 and 146 (7.6%) of >7. The median PSA level was 5.9, 6.1 and 7.8 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). After adjusting for clinical stage, there was no significant interaction effect (P = 0.34) between Gleason sum and time of surgery on PSA level, implying that the relationship between Gleason sum and PSA levels has not changed over these two periods, despite changes in PSA screening. Results from the Cox model showed that PSA level, Gleason sum, their interaction term and clinical stage were significant predictors of biochemical failure. The c‐index for the model without the interaction term was 0.70 and increased to 0.72 when including it, indicating an increase in the predictive ability of the model when including the interaction term.CONCLUSIONPSA level and Gleason sum are highly interrelated variables, although they each carry additional information that significantly contributes to the prediction of biochemical failure. This study shows that, for an individual patient, the higher the initial PSA level the higher the risk of having poorly differentiated prostate cancer. Also, predictive models of biochemical failure can be improved by considering the interaction between PSA and Gleason sum.
The thermo‐expandable metallic ureteric stent: an 11‐year follow‐up
Authors: Agrawal Sachin , Brown Christian T. , Bellamy Elizabeth A. , Kulkarni Ravi 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo review our long‐term use of the thermo‐expandable metallic ureteric stent, (model 051, PNN Medical, Denmark) for ureteric obstruction, and review current reports on its use.PATIENTS AND METHODSData were collected prospectively on all patients who had a Memokath 051 ureteric stent inserted between November 1996 and November 2007. The standard stent, and wide and dual expansion versions were used. The stricture characteristics were recorded in a standard way. All stents were inserted by one surgeon in the UK and internationally, following a standard protocol.RESULTSIn all, 74 stents were inserted into 55 patients in the study period (mean age 60 years, range 11–90). The indications for metallic stenting included primary stenting for malignancy, failed conventional open and endoscopic techniques, palliation, and where significant comorbidity limited repetitive stent changes. In 28 patients the obstruction was caused by malignancy, whereas in 27 it was caused by recurrent benign disease. The mean (range) hospital stay was 1.43 (0–7) days. Imaging after insertion showed normal or improved functional drainage in all but three patients, with immediate complications including urinary extravasation (one), poor thermo‐expansion (one) and equipment failure (locking assembly) (one). Late complications included migration (13), encrustation (two) and fungal infections (three). In all, 14 patients needed reinsertion (mean of 7.1 months, range 1–14) after insertion for migration (eight), encrustation (two), stricture progression (three) and incorrect stent length (one). Overall, 29 patients have died with the stents in‐situ. The mean (range) follow‐up was 16 (4–98) months.CONCLUSIONSThe thermo‐expandable metallic Memokath 051 ureteric stent offers effective and durable long‐term relief from ureteric obstruction, and is a safe alternative to conventional JJ stenting. In addition there is an emerging role in palliation and the primary management of ureteric strictures.
How do individual transferable quotas affect marine ecosystems?
Authors: Branch Trevor A 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPublished papers were reviewed to assess ecosystem impacts of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) and other dedicated access systems. Under ITQs, quota shares increase with higher abundance levels, thus fishers may request lower total allowable catches (TACs) and pay for monitoring and research that improves fishery sustainability. Mortality on target species generally declines because catches are closer to TACs and because ghost fishing through lost and abandoned gear decreases. High‐grading and discarding often decline, but may increase if landings (and not catches) count against ITQs and when there is little at‐sea enforcement. Overall, ITQs positively impact target species, although collapses can occur if TACs are set too high or if catches are routinely allowed to exceed TACs. Fishing pressure may increase on non‐ITQ species because of spillover from ITQ fisheries, and in cases where fishers anticipate that future ITQ allocations will be based on catch history and therefore increase their current catches. Ecosystem and habitat impacts of ITQs were only sparsely covered in the literature and were difficult to assess: ITQs often lead to changes in total fishing effort (both positive and negative), spatial shifts in effort, and fishing gear modifications. Stock assessments may be complicated by changes in the relationship between catch per unit effort, and abundance, but ITQ participants will often assist in improving data collection and stock assessments. Overall, ITQs have largely positive effects on target species, but mixed or unknown effects on non‐target fisheries and the overall ecosystem. Favourable outcomes were linked to sustainable TACs and effective enforcement.
Hearing of note: An electrophysiologic and psychoacoustic comparison of pitch discrimination between vocal and instrumental musicians
Authors: Nikjeh Dee A. , Lister Jennifer J. , Frisch Stefan A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCortical auditory evoked potentials of instrumental musicians suggest that music expertise modifies pitch processing, yet less is known about vocal musicians. Mismatch negativity (MMN) to pitch deviances and difference limen for frequency (DLF) were examined among 61 young adult women, including 20 vocalists, 21 instrumentalists, and 20 nonmusicians. Stimuli were harmonic tone complexes from the mid‐female vocal range (C4–G4). MMN was elicited by multideviant paradigm. DLF was obtained by an adaptive psychophysical paradigm. Musicians detected pitch changes earlier and DLFs were 50% smaller than nonmusicians. Both vocal and instrumental musicians possess superior sensory‐memory representations for acoustic parameters. Vocal musicians with instrumental training appear to have an auditory neural advantage over instrumental or vocal only musicians. An incidental finding reveals P3a as a sensitive index of music expertise.
UNITARY BOARDS AND MUTUAL FUND GOVERNANCE
Authors: Kong Sophie Xiaofei , Tang Dragon Yongjun 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA unique governance structure for mutual funds is unitary board—one board overseeing all funds in the entire family. We find strong evidence for unitary board as an effective governance mechanism. Funds with unitary boards are associated with lower fees, are more likely to pass the economies of scale benefits to investors, are less likely to be involved in trading scandals, and rank higher on stewardship. In contrast, funds with larger or more independent boards charge higher fees and rank lower on stewardship. Our findings indicate that unitary boards of small size, rather than independent boards, may be more beneficial to fund shareholders.