bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulatory and Anatomic Differences among Experimental Gastric Tubes as Esophageal Replacement
Authors: Schilling Martin K. , Mettler Daniel , Redaelli Claudio , Büchler Markus W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn this experimental study we measured microcirculatory and anatomic differences among a newly developed technique of gastroplasty—fundus rotation gastroplasty (FRG)—and conventional (CG) and reversed (RG) gastric tubes as substitutes for the thoracic and cervical esophagus. After transhiatal esophageal resection, 36 large white pigs were randomly assigned to have an FRG, CG, or RG. Tube length, gastric volume, and compliance as well as blood flow in the tube and the remaining gastric reservoir (by laser Doppler flowmetry) were measured. The FRG tubes were 35.9 ± 3.1 cm long, RG 38.7 ± 3.3 cm, and CG 27.3 ± 2.1 cm (p< 0.05). Gastric compliance was 20.8 ml in the FRG and 3.2 ml and 2.9 ml in the CG and RG, respectively (p < 0.001). Blood flow was significantly higher in FRG tubes than in RG tubes or CG tubes, resulting in a lower anastomotic failure rate (2/12 FRG, 6/12 CG, 7/12 RG). Hence a rotation flap of the gastric fundus (FRG) yields a long, well perfused tube by maintaining the blood supply of the gastric lesser curvature. FRG appears to be a good alternative to CG or RG as a substitute for the thoracic and cervical esophagus.
Implantable Vascular Access Systems: Experience in 1500 Patients with Totally Implanted Central Venous Port Systems
Authors: Kock H.‐J. , Pietsch M. , Krause U. , Wilke H. , Eigler F.W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTotally implantable venous access systems are widely used, but large‐scale studies evaluating these systems are lacking. In this study 1500 patients (719 male, 781 female) with an average age of 49 years (15–86 years) were fitted with subcutaneously implanted venous access systems, in most cases for long‐term chemotherapy. All patients were observed until removal of the system, death, or the end of treatment. A retrospective analysis showed an average catheter life of 284 patient‐days. A total of 1308 (87%) of the patients had no implant‐related complications. Catheter infections occurred in 3.2% of the patients and catheter thromboses in 2.5%. Rarer complications, such as catheter malfunction, migration of the catheter, skin necrosis, catheter fracture, catheter disconnection, and pneumothorax, occurred in another 4.3% of the patients. The complications led to explantation of 178 access systems (11.9%). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the low rate of infections and other complications in the group of patients with solid tumors (2% and 4%, respectively) and the rate in patients with hematologic diseases (6% and 8%, respectively). This study confirms the safety and convenience of using totally implantable venous access systems in patients on long‐term chemotherapy.
Genetic Alterations in Thyroid Carcinoma Associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Clinical Implications and Suggestions for Early Detection
Authors: Cetta Francesco , Olschwang Sylviane , Petracci Margherita , Montalto Giulia , Baldi Claudio , Zuckermann Michele , Costantini Renato Mariani , Fusco Alfredo 
Published: August 2002

AbstractGerm‐line mutations of the adenomatous polyposis (
APC) gene, responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were analyzed in 15 patients with FAP‐associated papillary thyroid carcinomas: 13 had the mutation between codons 778 and 1309 (exon 15), 1 at codon 593 (exon 14), and 1 at codon 140 (exon 3). Therefore APC gene mutations clustered in the genomic area associated with congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) (codons 463–1387). Ocular patches were documented in 12 patients. In particular, 4 of the 15 patients, all women with a mean age of 23.5 (range 20–32), were found during the study of 15 consecutive kindreds who had undergone systematic screening for extracolonic manifestations. Three of them belonged to the same kindred and were asymptomatic. These four patients were also screened for loss of heterozygosity of APC in the thyroid tumoral tissue. No biallelic inactivation of the APC gene was found. In contrast, three of these four patients had activation of theret‐PTC oncogene. In particular, there was activation of the ret‐PTC1 isoform, a chimeric gene resulting from fusion of a gene named H4 with the RET gene. On histologic examination, three of the four patients showed Hashimoto‐like lymphocytic infiltration. Present data suggest that: (1) the incidence of FAP‐associated thyroid cancer probably has been underestimated in the past; (2) intensive screening could detect a larger than expected number of thyroid carcinomas; (3) systematic screening is recommended in patients with ocular patches and genetic mutation in exon 15; (4) Hashimoto‐like findings do not exclude carcinoma but are a frequent accompanying finding; (5) despite frequent multicentricity and early lymph node involvement, FAP‐associated thyroid tumors seem to have an excellent prognosis, in particular those showing ret‐PTC activation.
Emergency Carotid Thromboendarterectomy: Safe and Effective
Authors: Schneider Christina , Johansen Kaj , Königstein Ralf , Metzner Christoph , Oettinger Wolfgang 
Published: August 2002

Abstract.Whether to perform emergency carotid thromboendarterectomy (CTEA) in the presence of crescendo transient ischemic attacks or stroke‐in‐evolution is controversial, with the operative mortality in some reports exceeding 20% and improvement in neurologic deficit of less than 40% in others. Our anecdotal experience with emergency CTEA for acute, persistent, or crescendo neurologic deficit had been strikingly better than published reports. Accordingly, we carried out a restrospective comparison of 43 such patients undergoing emergency CTEA with 237 patients concurrently undergoing elective CTEA for conventional indications. A standard protocol followed in emergency CTEA patients included carotid Doppler ultrasonography, computed cerebral tomography (CT), four‐vessel cerebral arteriography, and intravenous heparin. Exclusions from emergency CTEA included coma or cerebral CT scan evidence for either hemorrhagic or ischemic infarction with edema. Operative techniques included standard carotid endarterectomy with Dacron patch or direct suture, eversion endarterectomy, or shortening resection. No mortality or central neurologic complications resulted among the 43 emergency CTEA patients, in comparison to no deaths and one temporary hemiparesis (0.4% central neurologic morbidity) in the 237 elective CTEA patients. Our results suggest that in the absence of coma or cerebral CT scan evidence for an unstable blood–brain barrier, emergency carotid reconstruction can be performed safely and with excellent outcome notwithstanding the magnitude and severity of the acute preoperative neurologic deficit.
Possible interpretation problems for the current CITES listing criteria in the context of marine fish species under commercial harvest
Authors: Butterworth D. S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe current criteria for listing species on CITES Appendices are summarized briefly. A précis is given of problems with these criteria in a marine species context, as identified by an FAO ad hoc Expert Group meeting in November 1998. Three aspects of the criteria that are of concern to the author are discussed briefly. These are the definition of a “decline,” specifications for taking account of uncertainty, and the desirability of using existing stock‐recruitment data for marine fish species to estimate the spawning biomass level at which critical depensation might occur. This last would provide guidance in specifying resource levels at which there is a threat of extinction when reformulating the CITES criteria.
Effect of Venous Strangulation Obstruction on Length of Equine Jejunum and Relevance to Small‐Intestinal Resection
Authors: Freeman David E. , Kilgallon Elizabeth G. 
Published: August 2002

Abstract— To determine if venous strangulation obstruction (VSO) of the distal half of the equine small intestine would increase length of that segment.Study Design— Halothane‐anesthetized horses were assigned randomly to 3 groups of 5 horses: Group 1 (controls)—the entire small intestine was measured and rubber‐shod clamps were applied to mark each end of the most distal 50% of the small intestine; Group 2—same procedure, except that VSO was induced in the distal 50% of the small intestine for 180 minutes; and Group 3—same initial procedure, except that VSO was induced for 90 minutes and followed by reperfusion for 90 minutes.Animals or Sample Population— Fifteen horses.Methods— The proximal and distal halves of the small intestine were measured before and at 180 minutes after clamps and ligatures were applied. At the end of the study, biopsies were taken to assess mucosal epithelial damage by light microscopy, and horses were euthanatized while under general anesthesia.Results— Intestine subjected to VSO and VSO and reperfusion had marked hemorrhagic changes and thickening in the intestinal wall. Both groups had incurred a grade 2.8 of 5 mucosal injury by 180 minutes. Total length of small intestine and length of the distal 50% did not change in the control group, but intestine subjected to VSO only and VSO and reperfusion had increased in length by 29% (P < .05) and 36% (P < .05), respectively.Conclusions— Small intestine of horses subjected to VSO can increase in length, and this change could cause an overestimate of the amount of intestine involved in an extensive strangulating lesion.Clinical Relevance— An overestimate of the amount of intestine involved in an extensive strangulating lesion could lead to an overly pessimistic assessment of a horse's risk for postresection malabsorption and maldigestion. Therefore, estimates of the proportion of small intestine that is strangulated should be corrected for this potential error and the risk of malabsorption determined accordingly.
Elastic neural net for the earthquake epicenter search
Authors: Antoniou I. , Ivanov V. V. , Kisel I. V. 
Published: August 2002

Automatic processing of seismic data is today a key element in the efforts to achieve high quality seismic systems. Automated procedures for locating seismic events with a network including arrays and single element seismometers usually incorporate back‐azimuth estimates, arrival‐time data, and associated uncertainties into a least‐squares‐inverse location algorithm. Such an algorithm is quite cumbersome and requires expanding a set of non‐linear equations in a Taylor series. Second‐order terms usually not included in the algorithm can be important if the initial estimate is far from the solution.We propose to use elastic neural nets (ENN) to find the initial estimation in automated procedures of locating seismic events and discuss the results for simulated seismic events. The advantages of ENN are the simplicity of the algorithm, the fast convergence and the high efficiency.
Topology of the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane: Dynamics and Bioenergetic Implications
Authors: Mannella Carmen A. , Pfeiffer Douglas R. , Bradshaw Patrick C. , Moraru Ion I. , Slepchenko Boris , Loew Leslie M. , Hsieh Chyong‐ere , Buttle Karolyn , Marko Michael 
Published: August 2002

AbstractElectron tomography indicates that the mitochondrial inner membrane is not normally comprised of baffle‐like folds as depicted in textbooks. In actuality, this membrane is pleomorphic, with narrow tubular regions connecting the internal compartments (cristae) to each other and to the membrane periphery. The membrane topologies observed in condensed (matrix contracted) and orthodox (matrix expanded) mitochondria cannot be interconverted by passive folding and unfolding. Instead, transitions between these morphological states likely involve membrane fusion and fission. Formation of tubular junctions in the inner membrane appears to be energetically favored, because they form spontaneously in yeast mitochondria following large‐amplitude swelling and recontraction. However, aberrant, unattached, vesicular cristae are also observed in these mitochondria, suggesting that formation of cristae junctions depends on factors (such as the distribution of key proteins and/or lipids) that are disrupted during extreme swelling. Computer modeling studies using the “Virtual Cell” program suggest that the shape of the inner membrane can influence mitochondrial function. Simulations indicate that narrow cristae junctions restrict diffusion between intracristal and external compartments, causing depletion of ADP and decreased ATP output inside the cristae.
Mitogenic and Apoptotic Signaling by Carotenoids: Involvement of a Redox Mechanism
Authors: Palozza Paola , Serini Simona , Nicuolo Fiorella Di , Calviello Gabriella 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe potential for carotenoids to modulate tumor growth is currently under investigation. Although epidemiological studies evidence that a high intake of vegetables, rich in carotenoids, decreases cancer incidence and mortality, clinical trials demonstrate that supplementation of β‐carotene to chronic smokers or to asbestos workers increases the risk for lung cancer. These contradictory findings have renewed interest in elucidating the mechanism of action of carotenoids in biological systems. In this review, we show evidence for mitogenic and apoptotic effects of carotenoids and we support the hypothesis that these molecules may act as anticarcinogens or as procarcinogens through a redox mechanism. In particular, we report demonstrations for the anti‐oxidant or pro‐oxidant effects of carotenoids in vitro and in vivo, focusing our attention on the relationship existing between cell growth and redox status.
Bayesian Approach to the Best Estimate of the Hubble Constant
Authors: Wang Xiao-Feng  , Chen Li  , Li Zong-Wei  
Published: August 2002

A Bayesian approach is used to derive the probability distribution (PD)
of the Hubble constant H
0 from recent measurements
including supernovae Ia, the Tully-Fisher
relation, population II and physical methods. The discrepancies among
these PDs are briefly discussed. The combined value of all the measurements
is obtained, with a 95% confidence interval of 58.7<H
0<67.3
(km·s-1 ·Mpc-1).

PACS: 98. 80. Es, 02. 50. Cw
Aggression, violence, and the death of a Dutch soccer hooligan: A reversal theory explanation
Authors: Kerr John H. , de Kock Hilde 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn March 1997, an aggressive and violent confrontation took place between more than 3000 rival soccer hooligans in the small town of Beverwijk in the Netherlands. In the prearranged and well‐organized confrontation, a 35 year‐old man was beaten and stabbed to death and others were seriously wounded. In this paper, the details of what happened at Beverwijk and the response of the Dutch authorities, including the subsequent arrest and conviction of the main perpetrators, are reviewed. In addition, the psychological approach of reversal theory [Apter MJ. 1992. The Dangerous Edge. New York: The Free Press] is used to answer several unresolved questions about the motivation of the Dutch soccer hooligans involved in the aggressive behavior and violent fighting at Beverwijk. Aggr. Behav. 28:1–10, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
State observation and adaptive linearizing control for distributed parameter (bio)chemical reactors
Authors: Dochain D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the design and real‐life application of observers and control algorithms for distributed parameter (bio)chemical reactors. The designed observer does not require the knowledge of the process kinetics and belongs to the class of observers for systems with unknown inputs. The designed controller is an adaptive linearizing controller. The performances of both observer and controller are illustrated with real‐life applications: a chemical process (synthesis of ETBE) and a biochemical process (denitrifying biofilter). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of conductive carbon black and carbon fiber‐filled composites based on rubber and rubber blends
Authors: Das N. C. , Chaki T. K. , Khastgir D. , Chakraborty A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractConductive rubber‐based composites were derived from EVA, EPDM, and 50/50 EVA/EPDM blend filled with carbon black and short carbon fiber (SCF). The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness and return loss were studied. The measurements of shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites were carried out in two different frequency ranges: 100–2,000 MHz and 8–12 GHz (X‐band). It has been observed that the shielding effectiveness of the composites is frequency dependent and increases with increasing frequency. The increasing of filler loading also enhances the SE of the composites. It is also found that 50/50 EVA/EPDM blend systems have higher shielding effectiveness than pure EVA and EPDM SCF‐filled composites. The correlation between shielding effectiveness and bulk conductivity of various composites is also discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 20: 226–236, 2001
Management of a patient with HIV infection‐induced anemia and thrombocytopenia who presented with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Gruszecki Amy C. , Wehrli Gay , Ragland Brian D. , Reddy Vishnu V.B. , Nabell Lisle , Garcia‐Hernandez Alejandro , Marques Marisa B. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA 32‐year‐old male presented with fever, mental status changes, renal dysfunction, cytopenias and hemolysis. His platelet count was 14,000/μL, hemoglobin 5.7 g/dL and LDH 2,636 U/L. He was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and also found to be HIV positive on admission. TTP was confirmed by a low von Willebrand factor‐cleaving protease level, the gold standard test for TTP, which was 10–15%. No protease‐specific antibody was detected. Treatment of this patient consisted of 23 plasmapheresis procedures and trials of vincristine and dextran‐70. Despite therapy, the patient remained anemic and thrombocytopenic, though his mental status and renal abnormalities improved. Highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) consisting of efavirenz, 3TC, and d4T was started. Only after plasma exchanges were discontinued and HAART was instituted did the cytopenias resolve. He continued to improve following discharge, and platelet count was 206,000/μL and hemoglobin, 12.5 g/dL one month after the initiation of HAART. Am. J. Hematol. 69:228–231, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unusual presentation of multiple myeloma with unilateral visual loss and numb chin syndrome in a young adult
Authors: Hogan Marie C. , Lee Augustine , Solberg Lawrence A. , Thomé Stephan D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA 39‐year‐old man presented with unilateral visual loss as the first sign of multiple myeloma (MM). His visual loss was due to a plasmacytoma in the sphenoid sinus compressing the optic nerve with resultant optic nerve atrophy. Shortly after this presentation he developed numb chin syndrome due to a mandibular plasmocytoma compressing the mental nerve. His MM progressed rapidly despite treatment with high‐dose steroids and alkylating agents and he required allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in order to achieve a remission. We reviewed the published medical literature on the presentation of MM with visual impairment and present a summary in tabular form in this paper. This is the first reported case of MM presenting with isolated complete visual loss due to intracranial extrinsic compression of the optic nerve since the advent of modern cross‐sectional imaging. Multiple myeloma needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of cranial neuropathies and skull base neoplasms even in adults under 40 years of age. Am. J. Hematol. 70:55–59, 2002.
An unusual presentation of extramedullary plasmacytoma occurring sequentially in the testis, subcutaneous tissue, and heart
Authors: Fernandez L.A. , Couban S. , Sy R. , Miller R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractExtramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare neoplasm of soft tissue that usually arises in the respiratory tract, nasal cavity, sinuses, and nasopharynx. It is even more uncommon for it to arise either in the testis or heart. We report the presentation of a case where plasmacytomas were found sequentially in the testis, subcutaneous tissue, and heart. EMP usually has a good prognosis except when it involves the heart. Our patient survived for only 15 months post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Am. J. Hematol. 67:194–196, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical experience with a new specimen capturing bone marrow biopsy needle
Authors: Goldenberg Alec S. , Tiesinga James J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe SNARECOIL™ needle is a specimen capturing bone marrow biopsy needle that incorporates a tiny internal capturing coil. It was developed to minimize postinsertion needle manipulation and to facilitate specimen recovery. Forty‐four patients underwent 50 bone marrow biopsy procedures with the SNARECOIL needle for a variety of hematologic indications. Second and third procedures were done for follow‐up or staging. Each procedure retrieved a specimen with an average length of 2.1 cm. Fifty‐two percent of the specimens were ⩾2.0 cm in length. The majority of specimens demonstrated intact marrow architecture enabling a pathologic diagnosis in every case. Delicate cores of nontrabeculated marrow were recovered in three cases. The SNARECOIL bone marrow biopsy needle reliably retrieves intact bone marrow core specimens for pathologic interpretation. Am. J. Hematol. 68:189–193, 2001 © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with medical care‐seeking due to low‐back pain in scaffolders
Authors: Molano S.M. , Burdorf A. , Elders L.A.M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have demonstrated the consequences of having back pain and the mechanisms underlying decisions to seek medical care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of back pain and other musculoskeletal complaints and to identify factors that determine specific type of care‐seeking due to back pain among scaffolders.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 323 scaffolders. A questionnaire was used to collect data on musculoskeletal complaints and type of medical care sought. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the risk factors for care‐seeking for LBP, estimating Prevalence Ratios (PR) as a measure of association.ResultsThe prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was high. Severe back pain was reported by 28% of the scaffolders, LBP with sciatic pain by 23%, with sickness absence by 21%, with disability by 21%, and chronic back pain by 14%. Back pain was often accompanied by complaints of neck, shoulder, or knee. A general practitioner was sought by 44% of the workers with LBP, a physiotherapist by 22%, an occupational physician by 20%, and a specialist by 11%. The nature and severity of back pain seemed to determine the decision to visit the GP. Irradiating pain and sickness absence were the strongest predictors for seeking medical care and being referred to a specialist or physiotherapist.ConclusionThe particular definition of back pain and the selection process of workers with LBP may partly determine the findings on work‐related risk factors and health care utilization. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:275–281, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re: Response to criticisms of “lung cancer case‐control study of beryllium workers” Am. J. Ind. Med. 2001. 39:133–144.
Authors: Sanderson Wayne T. , Ward Elizabeth M. , Steenland Kyle 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTo the Editor: Dr. David Deubner et al. have criticized our nested case‐control study of the association between beryllium exposure and lung cancer [Sanderson et al., 2001a]. In this study, we estimated the beryllium exposures of workers in a beryllium alloy production plant from the 1940s through the 1970s in order to conduct an exposure‐response analysis. A manuscript describing how these exposure estimates were determined was published as a companion paper [Sanderson et al., 2001b]. The following are our responses to these criticisms.