bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Survivin and Livin in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Yanqun , Yao Herui , Wang Shusen , Hong Minghuang , He Jiehua , Cao Sumei , Min Huaqing , Song Erwei , Guo Xiang 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Objectives: Survivin and Livin are new members from the family of anti‐apoptotic factors. Increased levels of Survivin and Livin have been observed in many malignancies and correlated with poor prognosis. Survivin is expressed almost exclusively in proliferating cells, including various kinds of cancers, but Livin expression is relatively rare in cancer cells. Therefore, the present study examines the expressions of Survivin and Livin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and investigates whether their expression contributes to the prognosis of NPC.Methods: We investigated the expression of Survivin and Livin in 80 NPC samples using immunohistochemistry stain and correlated it with the survival of these patients using log‐rank test and Cox multifactor regression analysis.Results: All the patients were followed up at least for 60 months. During the following period, 21 cases developed distant metastasis, 9 cases developed local‐regional recurrence, and 5 developed both distant metastasis and local‐regional recurrence. Among them, 30 patients died of recurrence of tumor. In addition, the expression of Survivin was related with distant metastasis. Patients with low Survivin expression had better overall survival, disease‐free survival and distant metastasis‐free survival rates than the group with high Survivin expression (P = .0086, .0097, and .0318, respectively). Cox regression analysis confirmed that high Survivin expression was related to worse prognosis in NPC patients. However Livin expression level was not related with the survival of patients with NPC.Conclusion: NPC expresses high levels of Survivin and Livin, which may play an important role in the oncogenesis and tumor development. Over‐expression of Survivin was related with poor prognosis. We suggest that the determination of Survivin expression may provide predictive information on NPC patients.
Radiographic Stage Fails to Predict Symptom Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective: To determine whether preoperative computed tomography (CT) stage predicts degree of symptom improvement after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).Methods: A series of adult patients undergoing ESS was prospectively evaluated with CT and the rhinosinusitis symptom inventory (RSI) preoperatively and at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. Symptom domains (nasal, facial, oropharyngeal, systemic, and total) were computed and both absolute change and percentage change in symptom domain scores before and after ESS were correlated with the preoperative CT scan stage according to three staging systems: Lund‐MacKay, Kennedy, and Harvard.Results: One‐hundred sixty‐one patients (mean age, 40.2 years) completed the study with a mean follow‐up of 19.4 months. Overall, statistically significant decreases in RSI symptom domains were noted for the nasal (net change –30.1 [range –100 to +100]), facial (–26.1), oropharyngeal (–13.4), systemic (–17.0), and total (–20.8) symptom scores (all P < .001). For the absolute change in total symptom score, no statistically significant correlation with CT stage was demonstrated for any of the staging systems (Lund: Spearman ρ = −0.004, P = .962; Kennedy: ρ = −0.008, P = .918; Harvard: ρ = −0.011, P= .891). Similarly, no significant correlation with CT stage was demonstrated with the other symptom domains. Additionally, no significant correlation was identified between preoperative CT stage and percentage change in symptom domain scores.Conclusions: Although CT scan is widely accepted as an accurate diagnostic tool for chronic rhinosinusitis, CT scan stage alone does not significantly predict symptom outcomes after chronic rhinosinusitis, regardless of staging system utilized.
Linking herbivore‐induced defences to population dynamics
Authors: VAN DER STAP IRENE , VOS MATTHIJS , MOOIJ WOLF M. 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Theoretical studies have shown that inducible defences have the potential to affect population stability and persistence in bi‐ and tritrophic food chains. Experimental studies on such effects of prey defence strategies on the dynamics of predator–prey systems are still rare. We performed replicated population dynamics experiments using the herbivorous rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus and four strains of closely related algae that show different defence responses to this herbivore.2. We observed herbivore populations to fluctuate at a higher frequency when feeding on small undefended algae. During these fluctuations minimum rotifer densities remained sufficiently high to ensure population persistence in all the replicates. The initial growth of rotifer populations in this treatment coincided with a sharp drop in algal density. Such a suppression of algae by herbivores was not observed in the other treatments, where algae were larger due to induced or permanent defences. In these treatments we observed rotifer population densities to first rise and then decline. The herbivore went extinct in all replicates with large permanently defended algae. The frequency of herbivore extinctions was intermediate when algae had inducible defences.3. A variety of alternative mechanisms could explain differential herbivore persistence in the different defence treatments. Our analysis showed the density and fraction of highly edible algal particles to better explain herbivore persistence and extinctions than total algal density, the fraction of highly inedible food particles or the accumulation of herbivore waste products or autotoxins.4. We argue that the rotifers require a minimum fraction and density of edible food particles for maintenance and reproduction. We conjecture that induced defences in algae may thus favour larger zooplankton species such as Daphnia spp. that are less sensitive to shifts in their food size spectrum, relative to smaller zooplankton species, such as rotifers and in this way contributes to the structuring of planktonic communities.
Clinical predictors of in‐hospital mortality in patients with snake bite: a retrospective study from a rural hospital in central India
Authors: Kalantri Shriprakash , Singh Amandeep , Joshi Rajnish , Malamba Samuel , Ho Christine , Ezoua Joseph , Morgan Maureen 
Published: January 2006

SummaryObjective To determine the association between selected admission risk factors and in‐hospital mortality in patients admitted with venomous snake bite to a rural tertiary care hospital in central India.Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients aged 12 years or older admitted to a rural hospital in central India between January 2000 and December 2003 with venomous snake bites. The primary endpoint was in‐hospital mortality. We used Cox proportional‐hazards regression analysis to evaluate the association between risk factors (home‐to‐hospital distance, bite‐to‐hospital time, vomiting, neurotoxicity, urine albumin, serum creatinine concentration and whole‐blood clotting time) and in‐hospital mortality.Results Two hundred and seventy‐seven patients [mean age 32 (SD 12) years; 188 men (68%)] were admitted with venomous snake bite, 29 patients (11%) died. The probability of survival at day 7 was 83%. Vomiting [hazard ratio 6.51 (95% CI 1.94–21.77),P ≤ 0.002], neurotoxicity [hazard ratio 3.15 (95% CI 1.45–6.83),P = 0.004] and admission serum creatinine concentration [hazard ratio 1.35 (95% CI 1.17–1.56),P ≤ 0.001] were associated with higher risk of death in the adjusted analysis.Conclusions In our rural hospital setting, the overall mortality rate was 11 per 100 cases of snake bite. Vomiting, neurotoxicity and serum creatinine are significant predictors of mortality among inpatients with snake bite. These predictors can help clinicians assess prognosis of their patients more accurately and parsimoniously and also serve as useful signposts for clinical decision‐making.
A 10‐year study of squamous cell carcinoma in Hamedan in the west of Iran (1993–2002)
Authors: Zamanian Abbas , Farshchian Mahmood , Meheralian Azame 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer in Caucasians. Environmental factors, especially sunlight, play an important role in its pathogenesis.Aim To better define the frequency and characteristics of SCC in patients biopsied at Hamedan Sina Hospital in the west of Iran.Methods This descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out in patients diagnosed with SCC in the Department of Dermatology, Hamedan Sina Hospital, Hamedan, Iran, in the 10‐year period from 1993 to 2002.Results From a total of 6846 biopsies, 669 skin cancers were diagnosed, including 449 (66.67%) basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and 179 (26.76%) SCC. The head and face were the most common sites of SCC location. Farming was the most common occupation.Conclusion SCC is the second most common form of skin malignancy in the west of Iran. Sunlight may play a role in the etiology of this tumor.
Use of systemic glucocorticosteroids in pregnancy: Be alert but not alarmed
Authors: Rennick Gordon J 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYConcerns have been raised regarding the use of repeated courses of systemic glucocorticosteroids given to pregnant women with threatened premature labour to improve fetal lung maturity. Most worrying are animal studies showing detrimental effects on the developing brain, though human data to date are conflicting. Additional concerns relate to the fetal origins of adult diseases, particularly vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. It is currently recommended that obstetricians give only a single course of antenatal corticosteroids to pregnant women to enhance lung maturity instead of giving repeated doses, which was previously a common practice. Other clinicians including dermatologists, gastroenterologists and rheumatologists may have reason to provide systemic glucocorticosteroids to pregnant women. Although systemic glucocorticosteroids all cross the placenta to some degree, the extent to which they do so depends on the drug involved. The choice of systemic glucocorticosteroid for the pregnant women in light of this evolving literature is discussed.
An open‐label, pilot study examining the efficacy of curettage followed by imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of primary nodular basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jason K , Oh Carol , Strutton Geoff , Siller Greg 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYThe short‐term efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of primary superficial basal cell carcinoma has been established. This study investigated its efficacy following curettage (without electrodesiccation) for the treatment of primary nodular basal cell carcinoma on the trunk and limbs. Seventeen patients with a total of 34 lesions were enrolled. Curettage was used to de‐bulk the lesion and confirm suitable histology. Lesions displaying more aggressive subtypes (such as micronodular or morpheoic components) were excluded. Lesions were treated daily for 6 to 10 weeks with imiquimod 5% cream. Three months post treatment all lesions were excised, and 32 of 34 treated lesions (94%) were histologically clear of basal cell carcinoma. Fourteen of 17 patients rated the cosmetic outcome of treatment as excellent or good. Curettage followed by imiquimod 5% cream is effictive for the treatment of primary nodular basal cell carcinoma on the trunk and limbs, and most patients are pleased with the cosmetic outcome.
Not seeing the ocean for the islands: the mediating influence of matrix‐based processes on forest fragmentation effects
Authors: Kupfer John A. , Malanson George P. , Franklin Scott B. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe pervasive influence of island biogeography theory on forest fragmentation research has often led to a misleading conceptualization of landscapes as areas of forest/habitat and ‘non‐forest/non‐habitat’ and an overriding focus on processes within forest remnants at the expense of research in the human‐modified matrix. The matrix, however, may be neither uniformly unsuitable as habitat nor serve as a fully–absorbing barrier to the dispersal of forest taxa. In this paper, we present a conceptual model that addresses how forest habitat loss and fragmentation affect biodiversity through reduction of the resource base, subdivision of populations, alterations of species interactions and disturbance regimes, modifications of microclimate and increases in the presence of invasive species and human pressures on remnants. While we acknowledge the importance of changes associated with the forest remnants themselves (e.g. decreased forest area and increased isolation of forest patches), we stress that the extent, intensity and permanence of alterations to the matrix will have an overriding influence on area and isolation effects and emphasize the potential roles of the matrix as not only a barrier but also as habitat, source and conduit. Our intention is to argue for shifting the examination of forest fragmentation effects away from a patch‐based perspective focused on factors such as patch area and distance metrics to a landscape mosaic perspective that recognizes the importance of gradients in habitat conditions.
The Second Princeton Consensus on Sexual Dysfunction and Cardiac Risk: New Guidelines for Sexual Medicine
Authors: Jackson Graham , Rosen Raymond C. , Kloner Robert A. , Kostis John B. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder associated with a significant burden of illness. The prevalence and incidence of ED are strongly age-related, affecting more than half of men &gt;60 years. The first Princeton Consensus Conference (Princeton I) in 1999 developed guidelines for safe management of cardiac patients regarding sexual activity and the treatment of ED.

Aim
The second conference (Princeton II) was convened to update the recommendations based on the expanding knowledge base and new treatments available. This article reviews and expands on the Princeton II guidelines to address sexual dysfunction and cardiac risk.

Methods
A consensus panel of experts reviewed recent multinational studies in safety and drug interaction data for three phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), with emphasis on the safety of these agents in men with ED and concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Results
Erectile dysfunction is an early symptom or harbinger of cardiovascular disease, due to the common risk factors and pathophysiology mediated through endothelial dysfunction. Major comorbidities include diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and heart disease. Any asymptomatic man who presents with ED that does not have an obvious cause (e.g., trauma) should be screened for vascular disease and have blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure measurements. Ideally, all patients at risk but asymptomatic for coronary disease should undergo an elective exercise electrocardiogram to facilitate risk stratification. Lifestyle intervention in ED, specifically weight loss and increased physical activity, particularly in patients with ED and concomitant cardiovascular disease, is literature-supported.

Conclusions
The recognition of ED as a warning sign of silent vascular disease has led to the concept that a man with ED and no cardiac symptoms is a cardiac (or vascular) patient until proven otherwise. Men with ED and other cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., obesity, sedentary lifestyle) should be counseled in lifestyle modification.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Effects on Sac-Blood Pressure and Wall
Stress in a Stented Aneurysm
Authors: Li Z. , Kleinstreuer C. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
An aneurysm is a local artery ballooning greater than 50% of its nominal diameter with a risk of sudden rupture. Minimally invasive repair can be achieved by inserting surgically a stent-graft, called an endovascular graft (EVG), which is either straight tubular, curved tubular, or bifurcating. However, post-procedural complications may arise because of elevated stagnant blood pressure in the cavity, i.e., the sac formed by the EVG and the weakened aneurysm wall. In order to investigate the underlying mechanisms leading to elevated sac-pressures and hence to potentially dangerous wall stress levels and aneurysm rupture, a transient 3-D stented abdominal aortic aneurysm model and a coupled fluid-structure interaction solver were employed. Simulation results indicate that, even without the presence of endoleaks (blood flowing into the cavity), elevated sac pressure can occur due to complex fluid-structure interactions between the luminal blood flow, EVG wall, intra-sac stagnant blood, including an intra-luminal thrombus, and the aneurysm wall. Nevertheless, the impact of sac-blood volume changes due to leakage on the sac pressure and aneurysm wall stress was analyzed as well. While blood flow conditions, EVG and aneurysm geometries as well as wall mechanical properties play important roles in both sac pressure and wall stress generation, it is always the maximum wall stress that is one of the most critical parameters in aneurysm rupture prediction. All simulation results are in agreement with experimental data and clinical observations.
From presentation to publication: the natural history of orthopaedic abstracts in the United Kingdom
Authors: Guryel E , Durrant A W , Alakeson R , Ricketts D M 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
Up to 63% of the chapters in major orthopaedic textbooks use the results from abstracts that have been presented at international orthopaedic meetings.

Methods
Orthopaedic abstracts were reviewed that were presented at the 1997 and 1998 meetings of the British Orthopaedic Association and other specialist orthopaedic meetings. The number of abstracts that had gone on to a full text publication was assessed and changes in study design or outcome were determined.

Results
Of the 415 abstracts 137 (33.0%) went on to full text publication. Abstracts presented at the British Orthopaedic Association were significantly more likely to go on to full text publication than abstracts from the other meetings studied. The mean time to publication was 15.6 months. Sample sizes in unpublished studies were smaller (mean 129.8 subjects compared with a mean of 191.4 subjects for published studies). Of full text papers, 19.0% differed regarding study design from the abstract presented at the initial meeting and 10.9% had published different results. Randomised controlled trials had the highest rate of later full text publication (53.6%) followed by observational studies (32.8%), basic science studies (31.4%), and case reports (6.7%).

Conclusions
In comparison with a study from North America, similar numbers of abstracts presented at meetings finally became published as full text articles, the abstracts had fewer authors, more often included randomised controlled trials and follow up data, and had fewer changes to the results. It is questionable whether the inclusion of such results from abstracts presented at international meetings by major orthopaedic textbooks should be undertaken before full text publication.
Vesicoureteric reflux and urinary tract infection in children
Authors: Blumenthal I 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAn association between vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) and renal damage was found in 1960. In 1973, the term reflux nephropathy (RN) was first used to describe the renal damage caused by VUR. Follow up studies show that about 10%–20% of children with RN develop hypertension or end stage renal disease. It is now evident that there is a sex difference in the development of RN. In most males with RN, the kidneys are congenitally abnormal. In females it is an acquired condition, the most severe damage being sustained by recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The purpose of current UTI guidelines is to identify VUR or any other abnormality of the urinary tract. Since the advent of routine antenatal ultrasonography, there is no longer a need to identify an abnormality of the urinary tract after the first reported UTI. Routine investigations are not required. Recurrent UTIs and a family history of VUR need further evaluation. There is also an urgent need to establish the long term value of prophylactic antibiotics in children with VUR.
Malnutrition and ageing
Authors: Hickson M 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
This article aims to provide an overview of the problems that exist in relation to malnutrition and the elderly population. The changes that occur in body composition during ageing are described and how this may affect disease risk. The possible metabolic processes behind weight loss are discussed and the numerous factors that affect nutritional status in the older age group are described. Prevention of malnutrition in this group is important and so the roles of nutrition screening and assessment are examined.
Functional Analysis of c-Met/Hepatocyte Growth Factor Pathway in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Jagadeeswaran Ramasamy , Ma Patrick C. , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Jagadeeswaran Sujatha , Zumba Osvaldo , Nallasura Vidya , Ahmed Salman , Filiberti Rosangela , Paganuzzi Michela , Puntoni Riccardo , Kratzke Robert A. , Gordon Gavin J. , Sugarbaker David J. , Bueno Raphael , Janamanchi Varalakshmi , Bindokas Vytas P. , Kindler Hedy L. , Salgia Ravi 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has not been extensively studied in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In this study, c-Met was overexpressed and activated in most of the mesothelioma cell lines tested. Expression in MPM tissues by immunohistochemistry was increased (82%) in MPM in general compared with normal. c-Met was internalized with its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in H28 MPM cells, with robust expression of c-Met. Serum circulating HGF was twice as high in mesothelioma patients as in healthy controls. There was a differential growth response and activation of AKT and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 in response to HGF for the various cell lines. Dose-dependent inhibition (IC50 &lt; 2.5 μmol/L) of cell growth in mesothelioma cell lines, but not in H2052, H2452, and nonmalignant MeT-5A (IC50 &gt;10 μmol/L), was observed with the small-molecule c-Met inhibitor SU11274. Furthermore, migration of H28 cells was blocked with both SU11274 and c-Met small interfering RNA. Abrogation of HGF-induced c-Met and downstream signaling was seen in mesothelioma cells. Of the 43 MPM tissues and 7 cell lines, we have identified mutations within the semaphorin domain (N375S, M431V, and N454I), the juxtamembrane domain (T1010I and G1085X), and an alternative spliced product with deletion of the exon 10 of c-Met in some of the samples. Interestingly, we observed that the cell lines H513 and H2596 harboring the T1010I mutation exhibited the most dramatic reduction of cell growth with SU11274 when compared with wild-type H28 and nonmalignant MeT-5A cells. Ultimately, c-Met would be an important target for therapy against MPM. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 352-61