bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified method of hepatic portal choledochoplasty to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts
Authors: Mi Yuetang , Li Rui , Xu Kesen , Li Shikuan , Wang Peige , Wu Liqun , Mi Haiyan , Yang Guangyun , Zhang Zhaoyang , Niu Jun , Jiang Hongchi , Qiao Haiquan , Sun Xueying 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is usually used to treat benign strictures of hilar bile ducts. However, RYHJ might also induce ascending cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis. The present study aims to introduce a modified hepatic portal choledochoplasty with a pedicled graft of gallbladder (HPC) to treat this disease.Methods:  One hundred and forty‐nine patients, who had undergone HPC or RYHJ from January 1997 to January 2006 in our institutions, were included in this study, and the clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results:  The incidences of perioperative bile leakage and inflammatory ileus in patients treated with HPC were slightly lower than RYHJ without significant difference (1.89% vs 2.08% and 3.77% vs 5.21%, both P > 0.05). However, in a long‐term follow up, patients treated with HPC had significantly lower incidences of cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis (5.66% and 3.77%, respectively) than those treated with RYHJ (cholangitis, 21.88%; hepatolithiasis, 16.67%; both P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Compared to RYHJ, HPC is a safer and more efficient method to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts. It preserves the sphincter of Oddi and normal biliary duct pressure, thus avoiding bile reflux into the bile duct.
Association between the treatment length and cumulative dose of pegylated interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin and their effectiveness as a combination treatment for Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients: Project of the Kyushu University Liver Disease Study Group
Authors: Furusyo Norihiro , Kajiwara Eiji , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Nomura Hideyuki , Tanabe Yuichi , Masumoto Akihide , Maruyama Toshihiro , Nakamuta Makoto , Enjoji Munechika , Azuma Koichi , Shimono Junya , Sakai Hironori , Shimoda Shinji , Hayashi Jun ,   Kyushu University Liver Disease Study (KULDS) Group
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the length of the treatment period and the cumulative dose of pegylated interferon alpha‐2b (peg‐IFN alpha‐2b) plus ribavirin (RBV) and their effectiveness in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.Methods:  Seven hundred and fifteen patients received peg‐IFN alpha‐2b plus RBV treatment for 48 weeks and 24 weeks for genotypes 1 (n = 586) and 2 (n = 129), respectively.Results:  Sustained virological responses (SVR), defined as serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA undetectable at 24 weeks after the end of treatment, were 42.4% and 74.4% in genotypes 1 and 2, respectively, on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. SVR significantly increased with treatment length (4.7%, 36.4%, and 51.8% for < 24 weeks, 24–47 weeks, and 48 weeks, respectively, for genotype 1; and 28.6%, 57.1%, 78.3% for < 12 weeks, 12–23 weeks, and 24 weeks, respectively, for genotype 2). SVR significantly increased with total cumulative treatment dose (21.1%, 36.5%, and 52.9% with < 60%, 60–79%, and ≥ 80% in peg‐IFN dose; 29.6%, 51.1%, and 59.2% with < 60%, 60–79%, and ≥ 80% in RBV dose) in genotype 1, although it did not differ significantly for genotype 2.Conclusions:  In peg‐IFN alpha‐2b plus RBV treatment for chronic hepatitis C, it is important to complete the target length of treatment and to continue the target dosage to achieve SVR, especially for genotype 1 patients.
Expression of two isozymes of acyl‐coenzyme A: Cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 and ‐2 in clear cell type renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Kenshi , Fujiwara Yukio , Nagai Ryoji , Yoshida Masaki , Ueda Shoichi 
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  The present study investigated the expression of acyl‐coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 (ACAT‐1) and ‐2 in clear cell type renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods:  Clear cell type RCC and corresponding normal kidney tissue samples were obtained from 19 surgical cases (28–85 years of age). Tissue extracts were assayed for ACAT activity and protein expression by immunoblotting with anti‐ACAT‐1 and anti‐ACAT‐2 antibodies. Frozen sections were subjected to Oil red O staining for lipids, and were immunostained with ACAT‐specific antibodies.Results:  Acyl‐coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase activity was 5.7‐fold higher (P < 0.01) in clear cell carcinoma (23.52 ± 4.90 pmol/mg protein/min) than in normal kidney (4.12 ± 0.36). Consistent with this, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining revealed strong expression of ACAT‐1 in clear cell type RCC. Densitometric analysis showed that ACAT‐1 expression was 2.9‐fold higher in clear cell type RCC than in normal kidney. In contrast, ACAT‐2 expression was negative in clear cell type RCC and normal kidney. Oil red O staining showed massive deposits of lipid in RCC cells.Conclusions:  We identified strong expression of ACAT‐1 in clear cell type RCC. Upregulation of ACAT‐1 leads to high ACAT enzymatic activity, which accelerates the accumulation of cholesterol ester in clear cell type RCC.
Increase in 24‐hour urine production/weight causes nocturnal polyuria due to impaired function of antidiuretic hormone in elderly men
Authors: Tani Mitsuru , Hirayama Akihide , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Torimoto Kazumasa , Akiyama Tatsuya , Hirao Yoshihiko 
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  The goals of the present study were to evaluate whether the different function of endogenous antidiuretic hormone (arginine vasopressin; AVP) results in the difference in 24‐h production/weight and to make indexes of lifestyle advice for patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (NP).Methods:  A total of 205 male patients over 50 years of age were enrolled in the study. Frequency volume chart and fluid intake (time and volume) were recorded under unconditioned status. All patients submitted single voided urine sample at 06.00 hours. Urinary AVP (uAVP), sodium (uNa), creatinine (uCr), and osmolarity were measured. Patients were divided into four groups according to 24‐h urine production/weight as follows: 24‐h production/weight >40, 24‐h production/weight: more than 30 to 40, 24‐h production/weight: more than 20 to 30, 24‐h production/weight: 20 or less.Results:  The data of 174 eligible patients were finally evaluated. Although there were no differences in uAVP/uCr and uNa/uCr among the groups, the nocturnal voided volume (NUV) increased with the increase in 24‐h production/weight. Age, uAVP/uCr, 24‐hr production/weight of more than 20 to 30, and 24‐h production/weight of 20 or less were independent factors for NP. NUV did not correlate with 24‐h drinking volume in any group.Conclusion:  Our data suggested that the increased 24‐h urine production/weight was apparently a risk factor for NP. We attributed this phenomenon to deterioration of the function of AVP.
TREATMENT DELAYS FOR PATIENTS EXITING AN AORTIC ANEURYSM SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME
Authors: Oram Byron J. , Buckenham Timothy M. , Roake Justin A. , Lewis David R. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  We have previously reported abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)‐related mortality in patients who have completed surveillance. This study investigates the journey time of patients who exited the AAA surveillance programme at Christchurch Hospital and underwent elective repair to determine the factors contributing to the interval between completing surveillance and undergoing surgical repair.Methods:  A retrospective review of patient notes was carried out for 25 patients who underwent elective repair of their AAA after exiting the surveillance programme between November 2000 and September 2005.Results:  The median time interval between exiting the programme and undergoing repair for patients fit for repair was 6 months. During this waiting period, there were two aneurysm‐related deaths. Analysis of the patient journeys showed that those with significant comorbidity, that is, patients who required additional investigation by other clinicians (n = 7), had a median time to repair of 35 weeks. This was substantially increased compared with a median time of 22.5 weeks to repair for the rest (n = 18).Conclusion:  At our institution the median time for completion of surveillance to repair was 6 months. An AAA with a diameter of 55 mm has an expected risk of rupture of 5%, with mortality approaching 90%. In our series, mortality was 4.9% (two patients died while awaiting repair), consistent with expected figures. Factors contributing to this delay of 6 months to repair were identified. Modifications to this journey are suggested to improve the time interval and therefore hopefully reduce the aneurysm‐related mortality in this group.
ANALYSING CLINICAL STUDIES: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICE AND PITFALLS OF KAPLAN–MEIER PLOTS
Authors: Ludbrook John , Royse Alistair G. 
Published: February 2008

The problem:  The conventional method for estimating survival over time following an episode of disease or treatment is the Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) technique, which results in a step‐down survival plot, with upper and lower bounds of 1.0 and 0, respectively. The mirror image of this plot represents the cumulative incidence of an adverse event, such as death, with lower and upper bounds of 0 and 1.0, respectively. However, if there are two competing events that can occur during follow up, such as death or relapse, the K‐M technique gives a false picture of the cumulative incidence of either one of these events. This occurs because patients who have died cannot subsequently relapse.The solution:  When there are two competing events, another technique must be used, which is known, variously, as cumulative incidence analysis, or ‘actual’ (as opposed to actuarial) incidence analysis. An example is given in which there are two competing adverse events following haemopoietic stem cell transplantation for a haematological malignancy: (i) relapse or (ii) transplant‐related death. Our analysis of the example shows that the cumulative probability of relapse is progressively inflated if the traditional K‐M product‐limit method is used rather than actual cumulative incidence analysis. We show how K‐M and actual cumulative survival or incidence analyses can be executed by a handheld calculator for small datasets or by formulae within a computer spreadsheet for large datasets.Conclusions:  Surgical investigators should not use the K‐M technique to predict cumulative survival or risk if there are two competing adverse events. They should use, instead, the technique of actual cumulative survival or incidence analysis.
Forest microsite effects on community composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi on seedlings of Picea abies and Betula pendula
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Suvi Triin , Jairus Teele , Kõljalg Urmas 
Published: February 2008

SummaryNiche differentiation in soil horizons, host species and natural nutrient gradients contribute to the high diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in boreal forests. This study aims at documenting the diversity and community composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and silver birch (Betula pendula) seedlings in five most abundant microsites in three Estonian old‐growth forests. Undisturbed forest floor, windthrow mounds and pits harboured more species than brown‐ and white‐rotted wood. Several species of ectomycorrhizal fungi were differentially represented on either hosts, microsites and sites. Generally, the most frequent species in dead wood were also common in forest floor soil. Ordination analyses suggested that decay type determined the composition of EcM fungal community in dead wood. Root connections with in‐growing mature tree roots from below affected the occurrence of certain fungal species on seedling roots systems in dead wood. This study demonstrates that ectomycorrhizal fungi differentially establish in certain forest microsites that is attributable to their dispersal and competitive abilities. Elevated microsites, especially decayed wood, act as seed beds for both ectomycorrhizal forest trees and fungi, thus affecting the succession of boreal forest ecosystems.
Shifts in the relative abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea across physicochemical gradients in a subterranean estuary
Authors: Santoro Alyson E. , Francis Christopher A. , De Sieyes Nicholas R. , Boehm Alexandria B. 
Published: February 2008

SummarySubmarine groundwater discharge to coastal waters can be a significant source of both contaminants and biologically limiting nutrients. Nitrogen cycling across steep gradients in salinity, oxygen and dissolved inorganic nitrogen in sandy ‘subterranean estuaries’ controls both the amount and form of nitrogen discharged to the coastal ocean. We determined the effect of these gradients on betaproteobacterial ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (β‐AOB) and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) in a subterranean estuary using the functional gene encoding ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA). The abundance of β‐AOB was dramatically lower in the freshwater stations compared with saline stations, while AOA abundance remained nearly constant across the study site. This differing response to salinity altered the ratio of β‐AOB to AOA such that bacterial amoA was 30 times more abundant than crenarchaeal amoA at the oxic marine station, but nearly 10 times less abundant at the low‐oxygen fresh and brackish stations. As the location of the brackish mixing zone within the aquifer shifted from landward in winter to oceanward in summer, the location of the transition from a β‐AOB‐dominated to an AOA‐dominated community also shifted, demonstrating the intimate link between microbial communities and coastal hydrology. Analysis of ammonia‐oxidizing enrichment cultures at a range of salinities revealed that AOA persisted solely in the freshwater enrichments where they actively express amoA. Diversity (as measured by total richness) of crenarchaeal amoA was high at all stations and time points, in sharp contrast to betaproteobacterial amoA for which only two sequence types were found. These results offer new insights into the ecology of AOA and β‐AOB by elucidating conditions that may favour the numerical dominance of β‐AOB over AOA in coastal sediments.
Metagenomic retrieval of a ribosomal DNA repeat array from an uncultured marine alveolate
Authors: Massana Ramon , Karniol Baruch , Pommier Thomas , Bodaker Idan , Béjà Oded 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to explore the use of large‐scale sequencing to better describe the genome content of naturally occurring, uncultured protists. We constructed a metagenomic fosmid library from a picoplanktonic assemblage (0.2–3 μm size cells) collected at the Blanes Bay Microbial Observatory (Western Mediterranean). Seven clones contained a small‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) affiliating with prasinophytes and uncultured alveolates. One clone (FBB25; 35 kb in size) was completely sequenced and found to be a tandem repeat array (5.5 times) of the rDNA operon, including three rRNA genes (SSU, large‐subunit and 5.8S rDNAs) and three spacer regions (internal transcribed spacers 1, 2 and intergenic spacer). The SSU rDNA of FBB25 affiliated with the marine alveolates group I, cluster 1, and was almost identical to sequences retrieved only in marine surveys from a wide geographic and ecological range. Phylogenetic trees using the different rRNA genes showed FBB25 as an independent branch among the main alveolate groups, but their closest affiliation varied between the SSU tree (dinoflagellates) and the large‐subunit and 5.8S trees (perkinsids). The spacer regions of FBB25 were particularly short when compared with other eukaryotes, indicating a possible genome streamlining in this picoeukaryote. Finally, not a single polymorphism was found in the rDNA repeat array, suggesting that the high SSU rDNA variability typically found in molecular surveys derives from organismal and not intragenomic diversity. This first report on the rDNA genomic structure of an uncultured marine alveolate improves their phylogenetic position and helps interpreting data generated during picoeukaryotic molecular surveys.
Biphasic insulin aspart 30 treatment improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in a clinical practice setting: experience from the PRESENT study
Authors: Khutsoane D. , Sharma S. K. , Almustafa M. , Jang H. C. , Azar S. T. , Danciulescu R. , Shestakova M. , Ayad N. M. A. , Guler S. , Bech O. M. ,   PRESENT Study Group
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The Physicians’ Routine Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of NovoMix® 30 Therapy (PRESENT) study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in routine clinical practice.Methods:  This was a 6‐month, prospective, multinational, multiethnic observational study involving 21 977 patients from 13 countries (India, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates). The patients were transferred to BIAsp 30 with or without oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) from prior treatment with OAD (n = 8583), insulin (n = 5942), OAD + insulin (n = 4673) or diet (i.e. treatment naive) (n = 1707). One thousand and seventy‐two patients had incomplete or no information on previous treatment.Results:  At 3 and 6 months, significant reductions from baseline were observed in the mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (−1.33 and −1.81%), fasting plasma glucose (−3.02 and −3.74 mmol/l) and postprandial plasma glucose (−4.76 and −5.82 mmol/l) (p < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of patients achieved target HbA1c of less than 7% at 3 months (15.3%) and 6 months (27.7%) compared with baseline (4.8%) (p < 0.001). Overall, the mean HbA1c at 6 months was lowered in patients regardless of prior treatment: −2.15% (OAD), −1.45% (insulin), −1.47% (OAD + insulin) and −2.35% (treatment naive). In the overall cohort, the rate of total hypoglycaemia was reduced from 5.4 events per patient‐year at baseline to 2.2 events per patient‐year at study end (p < 0.001). Among prior treatment subgroups, the rates of total hypoglycaemia were reduced from 2.5 to 2.1 events per patient‐year in the OAD group, from 9.6 to 2.2 events per patient‐year in the insulin group and from 7.6 to 2.5 events per patient‐year in the OAD + insulin group but were increased from 1.0 to 1.8 events per patient‐year in the treatment‐naive group (p < 0.001). There were 444 adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including 13 serious ADRs: lipodystrophy (three events), symptoms of generalized hypersensitivity (two events), acute painful neuropathy (one event), worsening of diabetic retinopathy (one event), oedema (one event) and unspecified ADRs (five events).Conclusion:  The use of BIAsp 30 monotherapy or in combination with OADs in clinical practice was effective and safe in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THREE NEW YORK CITY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Authors: GONG HONGMIAN , JAPZON ANDREA C. , CHEN CYNTHIA 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThis study uses the social capital concept to explain geographical variation in public library use. Applying Putnam's social capital theory, we examine how social capital in three New York City neighbourhoods affects usage of local branch libraries. A survey was conducted to understand differences in public library use and social capital in the neighbourhoods. Diversity and segregation indices were included as additional measures of social capital. The study found that neighbourhoods with higher levels of social capital, especially bridging social capital, tend to have higher public library use.
DETERMINATION OF LOCATION‐SPECIFIC FACTORS AT THE INTRA‐METROPOLITAN LEVEL: ISTANBUL CASE
Authors: BERKOZ LALE , TURK SEVKIYE SENCE 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTIn the context of economic globalisation, there has been considerable academic interest in understanding the choice of location of foreign direct investment (FDI) firms. Generally, studies on the location of FDI firms focus on national and regional levels. There are only a limited number of studies at the intra‐urban level, especially for developing countries. This paper investigates where the industrial and service FDI firms are distributed within Istanbul, and how location‐specific factors affect their decisions. This study is based on a sample of 100 companies surveyed in Istanbul at the end of 2002. The locational determinants of FDI firms in Istanbul have been analysed using factor analysis and logistic regression techniques. It was found that location‐specific advantages influence the location of service and industrial FDI firms (between the central and suburban districts) in the Istanbul metropolitan area. The service and industrial FDI firms in Istanbul also chose different locations.
ANALYSING THE SUCCESS OF OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION IN THE NETHERLANDS: THE MIDDEN‐DELFLAND CASE
Authors: VAN RIJ EVELIEN , DEKKERS JASPER , KOOMEN ERIC 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTOpen space preservation is an important aim of spatial planning. In the Netherlands, the recreational, ecological and historic values of open spaces between cities, the buffer zones, are recognised and thus receive ample attention from policy‐makers. This paper focuses on Midden‐Delfland, an open area in the metropolitan western part of the country. A specific combination of policy instruments and government regulation has made the preservation of open space in this area very successful even compared to other buffer zones. A quantitative analysis of the land‐use changes and a more qualitative review of the applied policy instruments are presented here in an attempt to explain this success. The analysis can help planners in finding ways to effectively protect contested open areas.
Horstmann, Siep, and German Idealism
Authors: Pippin Robert B. 
Published: February 2008

Die Grenzen der Vernunft. Eine Untersuchung zu Zielen und Motiven des Deutschen Idealismus. By Rolf‐Peter Horstmann. Frankfurt a.M.: Anton Hain, 1991, 321 pp. ISBN 3–445‐08568‐4Praktische Philosophie im Deutschen Idealismus. By Ludwig Siep. Frankfurt a.M.: Suhrkamp, 1992, 348 pp. ISBN 3–518‐28635‐8 pb
An Auction Model of Canadian Temporary Immigration for the 21st Century
Authors: DeVoretz Don 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTTemporary Canadian immigration has grown beyond traditional programs for students, caregivers and agricultural workers to include trade‐related temporary visas under NAFTA and the GATS. Current Canadian debates envision supplanting Canada's permanent immigration programme with a temporary visa programme to remove skill shortages. Several questions emerge under these temporary schemes including who should choose the number of temporary immigrants and under what employment conditions. This paper offers an alternative policy to the current government‐determined quota on temporary visas to answer these two questions. Under the proposed scheme offered in this paper, a Canadian worker can place a job voucher up for auction on the Internet. If the Canadian worker finds an acceptable offer for his one‐year (or less) voucher, then the temporary immigrant is permitted to seek a job in Canada. Thus, under this auction scheme Canadian workers are compensated for the presence of temporary immigrants, and the actual number of temporary immigrants admitted depends on the total number of Canadian workers who sell their vouchers, not on a government fat.