bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee W-C , Jeng L-B , Chen M-F 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The preferred means of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is surgical resection. However, the tumour recurrence rate is high. Accurate estimation of the risk of tumour recurrence after hepatectomy may facilitate the administration of adjuvant therapy after hepatectomy to patients with a high likelihood of tumour recurrence.

Methods
The clinical and pathological profiles of 176 patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from March 1992 to August 1998 were reviewed. The Kaplan–Meier method and log rank test were used to analyse univariate prognostic factors. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. Disease-free and overall cumulative survival rates were estimated with respect to the number of prognostic factors.

Results
Independent factors associated with a lower disease-free survival included the presence of venous infiltration, presence of daughter tumours, absence of tumour encapsulation and tumour size exceeding 5 cm. Factors decreasing the overall survival rate included the presence of venous infiltration, absence of tumour encapsulation and surgical resection margin less than 1 cm. The 1-year disease-free survival rate decreased from 77·5(s.e. 5·6) to 14·0(8·5) per cent when the number of risk factors present increased from zero to three. The 5-year survival rate decreased from 60·2(11·7) per cent to zero when the number of risk factors increased from zero to three.

Conclusion
The deterioration of disease-free or overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy correlates with increasing number of risk factors. The number of risk factors can be employed to accurately estimate disease-free and overall survival.
Postoperative body-weight loss and survival after curative resection for gastric cancer
Authors: Yu W , Seo B Y , Chung H Y 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Body-weight loss has been reported as a poor prognostic factor for some malignancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of postoperative body-weight loss in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods
In 564 patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer, usual body-weight, body-weight at the time of resection and that 6 and 12 months after resection were recorded prospectively.

Results
The 5-year survival rate of patients who lost more than 5 per cent of their 6-month postoperative weight by 12 months after resection was 63 per cent while that of patients who maintained 95 per cent or more of their 6-month postoperative weight was 84 per cent (P &lt; 0·001). Multivariate analysis revealed that serosal invasion, nodal metastasis, body-weight loss during the second 6-month interval after resection and extent of gastric resection were independent prognostic indicators.

Conclusion
When a patient loses body-weight during the second 6-month interval after curative resection for gastric cancer, recurrent disease should be suspected.
Randomized clinical trial of long-term outcome after resection of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma by postoperative interferon therapy
Authors: Kubo S , Nishiguchi S , Hirohashi K , Tanaka H , Shuto T , Kinoshita H 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Interferon therapy seems to decrease the incidence of recurrence after resection of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Effects of postoperative interferon therapy on the survival rate after resection of such HCC are still unclear.

Methods
A prospective randomized clinical trial of postoperative interferon therapy was performed. Thirty men were allocated randomly after liver resection to an interferon-α group (15 patients) or a control group. Patients in the interferon group received interferon-α 6 MIU intramuscularly every day for 2 weeks, then three times a week for 14 weeks and finally twice a week for 88 weeks.

Results
The response to interferon was complete in two patients, there was a biochemical response in six patients and no response in seven patients. Interferon administration was not completed in three patients because of adverse events. Liver function did not change or worsened after operation in the control group, and did not change or improved in the interferon group. The cumulative survival rate was higher in the interferon group than in the control group (P = 0·041).

Conclusion
Postoperative interferon therapy seems to improve the outcome after resection of HCV-related HCC.
Results of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication at 2–8 years after surgery
Authors: Booth M I , Jones L , Stratford J , Dehn T C B 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Although the long-term results of open fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are well documented, there have been few reports of the long-term results of laparoscopic fundoplication.

Methods
Between January 1993 and July 1999, 179 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication. Of these, 175 were available for long-term follow-up. Structured symptom questionnaires were completed by 140 patients (80 per cent) at 2–5 years (n = 92) or 5–8 years (n = 48) after operation.

Results
Patient satisfaction with surgery was 91 per cent at a median follow-up of 48 (range 24–99) months. Visick scores of I or II were recorded by 84 per cent. Ninety per cent of patients remained free from significant reflux symptoms. Side-effects were common (22 per cent) but rarely affected patient satisfaction. Of the 19 patients (14 per cent) taking regular antireflux medication, eight used it for non-reflux symptoms and 12 had normal postoperative pH tests.

Conclusion
Laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication is an effective and durable treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Longer-term follow-up of patients operated on beyond the learning curve can be expected to show further improvements in surgical outcome.
Processing of natural and recombinant CXCR3‐targeting chemokines and implications for biological activity
Authors: Hensbergen Paul J. , van der Raaij‐Helmer Elisabeth M. H. , Dijkman Remco , van der Schors Roel C. , Werner‐Felmayer Gabriele , Boorsma Dick M. , Scheper Rik J. , Willemze Rein , Tensen Cornelis P. 
Published: March 2003

Chemokines comprise a class of peptides with chemotactic activity towards leukocytes. The potency of different chemokines for the same receptor often varies as a result of differences in primary structure. In addition, post‐translational modifications have been shown to affect the effectiveness of chemokines.Although in several studies, natural CXCR3‐targeting chemokines have been isolated, detailed information about the proteins and their possible modifications is lacking. Using a combination of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry we studied the protein profile of CXCR3‐targeting chemokines expressed by interferon‐γ‐stimulated human keratinocytes. The biological implications of one of the identified modifications was studied in more detail using calcium mobilization and chemotaxis assays.We found that the primary structure of human CXCL10 is different from the generally accepted sequence. In addition we identified a C‐terminally truncated CXCL10, lacking the last four amino acids. Native CXCL11 was primarily found in its intact mature form but we also found a mass corresponding to an N‐terminally truncated human CXCL11, lacking the first two amino acids FP, indicating that this chemokine is a substrate for dipeptidylpeptidase IV. Interestingly, this same truncation was found when we expressed human CXCL11 in Drosophila S2 cells. The biological activity of this truncated form of CXCL11 was greatly reduced, both in calcium mobilization (using CXCR3 expressing CHO cells) as well as its chemotactic activity for CXCR3‐expressing T‐cells.It is concluded that detailed information on chemokines at the protein level is important to characterize the exact profile of these chemotactic peptides as modifications can severely alter their biological activity.
The sialate‐pyruvate lyase from pig kidney
Authors: Traving Christina , Bruse Petra , Wächter Andrea , Schauer Roland 
Published: March 2003

The first complete primary structure of a mammalian sialate‐pyruvate lyase, namely of the enzyme from porcine kidney, was elucidated by a combination of different PCR techniques followed by sequencing of the resulting fragments. The primers used were either deduced from four porcine lyase peptides or from an alignment of human and mouse expressed sequence tags (ESTs), which were found to be homologous to already known microbial lyase sequences, and cDNA alone or after ligation with a plasmid vector served as a template.The lyase primary structure consists of 319 amino acids with a calculated protein molecular mass of ≈ 35 kDa, which fits well to the value determined for the native enzyme. The porcine lyase sequence made it possible to assemble several ESTs from mouse and man in order to obtain the complete putative lyase genes. The three mammalian sequences reveal a high degree of homology both on the nucleotide (83% of the nucleotides are identical between all three sequences) and on the amino‐acid level (72% of the amino acids are identical between all three sequences), and thus form a tightly related group. In contrast, the identity between the lyase primary structures from pig kidney and the microbial enzyme from Clostridium perfringens is much less pronounced (25%). Thirty‐one amino acids were found to be absolutely conserved in all lyase sequences. Among them are two amino acids (lysine 173 and tyrosine 143 in the porcine lyase) that are most important for the catalytic reaction. After expression cloning, recombinant enzyme activity was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS, which confirms the identity of the cloned sequence and verifies one of the putative human and murine sequences. After SDS/PAGE of a cell extract of the expression clone, a band of 35kDa was stained on the gel.
Coincidence of immune‐mediated diseases driven by Th1 and Th 2 subsets suggests a common aetiology. A population‐based study using computerized General Practice data
Authors: Simpson C. R. , Anderson W. J. A. , Helms P. J. , Taylor M. W. , Watson L. , Prescott G. J. , Godden D. J. , Barker R. N. 
Published: March 2003

Background The recent rise in the prevalence of immune‐mediated diseases has been attributed to environmental factors such as a lack of microbial challenge, or dietary change, that deviate the overall balance between mutually antagonistic subsets of T helper (Th) cells.Objective An alternative proposal is that recent environmental changes have resulted in an immune system that is more likely to produce both Th1 and Th 2 responses against benign antigens. The prediction of this hypothesis, that Th1 and Th 2‐mediated diseases are not mutually exclusive, and may be positively associated, is tested here in a whole population.Methods Data from General Practices participating in the Scottish Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) project were used to determine the coincidence of the major Th 2‐mediated atopic diseases; asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis, with the Th1‐mediated autoimmune conditions; type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We also identified the prescription rates of inhaled therapy for asthma in patients with Th1‐mediated disease.Results There was a significant increase in the risk of presenting with a Th1‐mediated autoimmune condition in patients with a history of allergic disease (standardized prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.28 (1.18–1.37)). Likewise, the standardized prevalence ratios of presenting with either eczema (1.67 (1.48–1.87)) or allergic rhinitis (1.22 (1.02–1.44)) were significantly increased in subjects with a history of Th1‐mediated disease. There was a particularly strong association between current psoriasis and current eczema (standardized prevalence ratio of psoriasis in subjects with eczema 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.38–3.45). There was also a significant increase in prescriptions for inhaled asthma therapy in patients with Th1 disease.Conclusion It is concluded that Th1‐ and Th 2‐mediated diseases are significantly associated in a large General Practice population. This finding supports the proposal that autoimmune and atopic diseases share risk factors that increase the propensity of the immune system to generate both Th1‐ and Th 2‐mediated inappropriate responses to non‐pathological antigens.
A comparison of once daily fexofenadine versus the combination of montelukast plus loratadine on domiciliary nasal peak flow and symptoms in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wilson A. M. , Orr L. C. , Coutie W. J. R. , Sims E. J. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background The combination of montelukast (ML) and loratadine (LT) has previously been shown to be superior to either drug alone in managing seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), whilst fexofenadine (FEX) has been shown to be better than LT as monotherapy.Objectives We wished to compare ML + LT vs. FEX alone for effects on daily measurements (am/pm) of peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and symptoms.Methods Thirty‐seven patients with SAR (skin prick positive to grass pollen) were randomised into a single‐blind, double‐dummy placebo (PL)‐controlled cross‐over study during the grass pollen season, comparing 2 weeks of once daily treatment with (a) 120 mg FEX or (b) 10 mg ML + 10 mg LT. There was a 7–10 day placebo run‐in and washout prior to each randomised treatment. The average of am/pm PIF (the primary outcome variable) was analysed. Patients recorded their symptom scores (from 0 to 3) twice daily, for nasal blockage, discharge, itching and sneezing with; total eye symptoms, ocular cromoglycate use, and daily activity. The total nasal symptom score was calculated as a composite (out of 24).Results There were no significant differences between baselines after the run‐in and washout placebos for any variables. There were significant (P < 0.05, Bonferroni) improvements in all symptoms and PIF compared to pooled placebo with both treatments for all end‐points, but no differences between the two treatment regimes (as means and within‐treatment 95% confidence intervals): PIF: PL 102 (98–107), FEX 111 (107–116), ML + LT 113 (109–118); total nasal symptoms: PL 7.4 (6.7–2.0), FEX 5.0 (4.3–5.7), ML + LT 4.0 (3.3–4.7).Conclusions Once daily FEX as monotherapy was equally effective as the combination of once daily ML + LT in improving nasal peak flow and controlling symptoms in SAR. Further studies are indicated to assess whether ML confers additional benefits to FEX in SAR.
A survey of the apes in the Dzanga‐Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic: a comparison between the census and survey methods of estimating the gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) nest group density
Authors: Blom A. , Almaši A. , Heitkönig I. M. A. , Kpanou J.‐B. , Prins H. H. T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA survey of apes was carried out between October 1996 and May 1997 in the Dzanga sector of the Dzanga‐Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic (CAR), to estimate gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) densities. The density estimates were based on nest counts. The strip transect census and the line transect survey method (Standing Crop Nest Count) were used to estimate the gorilla nest group density. The strip transect has been most commonly used to date. It assumes that all nest groups within the width of the strip are detected, but as this assumption is easily violated in the dense tropical rain forest, the line transect survey was also used. In this method, only the nest groups on the transect line itself should be detected. This method proved to be an adequate and easy technique for estimating animal densities in dense vegetation. The gorilla density of 1.6 individuals km−2 (line transect survey method) found for the Dzanga sector is one of the highest densities ever reported in the literature for the Western lowland gorilla. The density estimate for chimpanzees was 0.16 individuals km−2 (census method). The results of this study confirm the importance of the Dzanga‐Ndoki National Park for primate conservation.
Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas) habitat in Mole National Park, northern Ghana
Authors: Dankwa‐Wiredu Bernice , Euler David L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study examined the habitat and activity patterns of bushbucks (Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas), in Mole National Park, Ghana. Three bushbucks, one with a radio transmitter attached to its ear, served as focal‐animals for the study. The animals were followed and data on their habitat, food and activity patterns were recorded.Bushbucks were found to have a low variability in their diet. The forage species were mainly herbaceous and dicotyledonous. Each individual developed its own activity pattern and followed specific paths while foraging. Bushbucks used marshes proportionally more than the open savanna and the riverine forest. At temperatures below 30°C bushbucks remained active. When the temperature exceeded 31°C, the bushbucks retreated to the bushes/thickets to rest and ruminate.
Fibromyalgia in Maori and European New Zealanders
Authors: Klemp Patrick , Williams Sheila M. , Stansfield Shelley A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim: The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Maori and European New Zealanders; and (ii) whether an association exists between hypermobility and FM.Methods: The 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were used to determine the prevalence of FM (both criteria), widespread pain (WP) only, and a tender point score (TPS) ≥ 11 only, in subjects aged 12 years and older. Beighton's method was used to determine hypermobility.Results: The prevalence of FM in Maori (1.1%) and European (1.5%) New Zealanders was similar (an overall prevalence of 1.3%); 1.7% Maori and 3.9% Europeans had WP only; and 1.7% Maori and 0.9% Europeans had a TPS of ≥ 11 only. In Maori, the prevalence of WP and a TPS ≥ 11 were the same and similar to the prevalence of FM. In Europeans, WP was 2.6‐fold more common than FM. None of the subjects with FM, WP only or a TPS ≥ 11 only was hypermobile.Conclusion: The prevalence of FM was similar in Maori and European New Zealanders, and similar to most other population studies. In Maori, WP and a TPS ≥ 11 were equally specific for FM whereas in Europeans, WP was more sensitive but less specific for FM than a TPS ≥ 11. There was no association between hypermobility and FM.
The challenges associated with the biologic repair of cartilage defects
Authors: Ghosh P. 
Published: March 2003

As observed by John Hunter as long ago as 1743, superficial lesions of articular cartilage (AC) do not undergo spontaneous healing and can lead to osteoarthritis in later years. While AC defects which penetrate the subchondral plate may fill with a blood clot and show early signs of healing, the regenerated hyaline cartilage progressively undergoes degeneration and transformation to fibrocartilage and eventually fails. In 1994, Brittberg and colleagues (NEJM 1994; 331: 889–94) reported favourable clinical outcomes in young patients when autologous chondrocytes were transplanted into small AC defects and covered by periosteum. However, subsequent studies in experimental animals failed to demonstrate filling of the defects by normal AC which was well integrated with the edges and calcified cartilage the defect. It was clear to many researchers at the time that any attempts to regenerate or repair cartilage defects would need to take into account a multiplicity of factors including, at the very least (a) the types of cells placed into the defect and whether they would differentiate or maintain the chondrocytes phenotype, (b) the composition and structure of the matrix or scaffold used to support them, and (c) the availability of growth factors or other external factors which could influence their rate of growth and/or gene expression.In the last 10 years, there has been an exponential growth in reports describing various combinations of (a)–(c) which purport to achieve AC repair to a variable extent. To date, however, none can be said to be really satisfactory, although mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in combination with collagen‐ or hyaluronan‐based support matrices have shown promising results. Moreover, the incorporation of growth factors such as BMP‐2 or BMP‐7 into such scaffolds or when genes for these proteins have been used to transfect the transplanted cells employed has improved chondrogenesis and implant success even more. More recently the complex technologies of bioengineering have been used to produce cartilage anlage of predetermined size. AC plugs made in rotating bioreactors have been press‐fitted into defects thereby providing the immediate mechanical stability necessary for cell survival and re‐differentiation in vivo. The incorporation of growth factors into these man‐made explants, together with surfacing of defects with adhesion proteins or other bonding materials before transplantation has provided additional avenues for improvement in the future.
Root and leaf production, mortality and longevity in response to soil heterogeneity
Authors: PÄRTEL M. , WILSON S. D. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Patches of fertile soil support concentrations of roots, but whether this reflects increased production or increased longevity is not known. We examined the production and longevity of roots of the grass Festuca rubra in response to soil heterogeneity. We also explored the extent to which root dynamics reflect shoot responses to heterogeneous soils.
Root and leaf dynamics were followed in pots of heterogeneous or homogeneous soils containing the same total amount of nutrients. Digital minirhizotron images of roots and leaves were collected weekly.
Root length was significantly greater in homogeneous than heterogeneous soils. This was caused by significantly larger root production but shorter life span. In contrast, soil heterogeneity had no effect on leaf production or longevity.
Within heterogeneous pots, root and leaf production were strongly concordant, both being significantly greater in fertilized patches. More roots died in fertilized patches, but leaf mortality was not affected. Longevity of neither roots nor leaves was affected by the location of a fertile patch.
Spatial variation in production of roots and shoots in response to nutrient patches was concordant. Roots and shoots, however, showed independent responses to the presence of within‐pot heterogeneity. A decrease in total root length in heterogeneous soils was a counterintuitive result of decreased production and increased longevity.