bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General rules for recording endoscopic findings of esophagogastric varices (1991)
Authors: Idezuki Yasuo ,   Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe general rules made in 1980 for recording endoscopic findings of esophageal varices have widely been used in Japan and in other countries. However, since the development of endoscopic sclerotherapy and other modalities of endoscopic treatment, these 1980 rules were found to be insufficient for recording mucosal changes after treatment. The general rules as revised in 1991 recognize mucosal changes such as erosion, ulcer, scar, thrombosed varices, and bleeding signs. These new 1991 rules, which seem useful for recording initial evaluation of gastroesophageal varices and for describing mucosal changes after sclerotherapy as well, are described here.
Nonfluoroscopic reduction of intussusception by air enema
Authors: Wang Guiru , Liu Xiao Guang , Zitsman Jeffrey L. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIntussusception is a common pediatric condition in China. Hydrostatic reduction with barium sulfate or pneumatic reduction using air and fluoroscopy has become the standard method in most centers throughout the world. To avoid radiation exposure, reduction without fluoroscopic confirmation was studied. Between 1981 and 1985 a total of 224 children were diagnosed and treated for intussusception. The diagnosis was made correctly on clinical grounds in 184 cases; in 40 cases ultrasonography confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Pressurized air reduction was successful in 217 patients (96.9%); seven patients required operative reduction. Ultrasonograms of the abdomen supported the diagnosis in 40 patients and confirmed subsequent reduction. This experience demonstrates that childhood intussusception can be reduced using pneumatic pressure without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.
Adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy after curative resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Zieren Hans U. , Müller Joachim M. , Jacobi Christoph A. , Pichlmaier Heinz , Müller Rolf‐Peter , Staar Sabine 
Published: October 2004

AbstractsPostoperative radiation therapy following curative resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was investigated in a prospective randomized study. A group of 33 patients received postoperative radiation therapy and were compared to a control group of 35 patients treated by surgery alone. No statistically significant differences were noted between the two treatment groups concerning overall and disease‐free survival rates. Postoperative irradiation significantly increased the incidence of fibrotic strictures of the esophagogastric or esophagocolonic anastomoses and caused a delayed recovery of patients quality of life. Based on these results, we believe that postoperative radiation therapy alone cannot be advocated as a adjuvant therapy following curative resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
Prophylaxis with intraoperative chemohyperthermia against peritoneal recurrence of serosal invasion‐positive gastric cancer
Authors: Yonemura Y. , Ninomiya I. , Kaji M. , Sugiyama K. , Fujimura K. , Sawa T. , Katayama K. , Tanaka S. , Hirono Yasuo , Miwa K. , Miyazaki I. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractContinuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) with a solution which contains 30 mg mitomycin C and 300 mg cisplatin has been introduced as a prophylactic treatment for peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of 79 advanced gastric cancers. The control group consisted of 81 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery during the same period. CHPP was performed for 60 minutes by perfusing MMC‐ and CDDP‐containing saline solutions warmed at 43.5°C by a special CHPP device. In patients with pathologically confirmed serosal invasion‐positive tumors, the survival rate of the CHPP group was significantly higher than that of the control group. A survival advantage for stage IV patients was also obtained by CHPP. However, there was no survival advantage between the CHPP group and the control group with serosal invasion‐negative tumors. Adverse effects were observed in four patients who underwent CHPP: One developed severe bone marrow suppression, and transient hyperazotemia was ebserved in the other three. There was no difference in the incidence of mortality and morbidity between the two groups. These results indicate that CHPP is a safe, readily available prophylactic therapy for peritoneal recurrence after gastric cancer surgery.
Early postoperative evaluation of pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Kodama Masashi , Koyama Kenji , Chida Teisao , Arakawa Akira , Tur Gennady 
Published: October 2004

AbstractEarly postoperative evaluation was prospectively performed in 35 gastric cancer patients after pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG) between 1989 and 1991, comparing the results with those of 29 patients who underwent conventional distal gastrectomy (CDG). Surgical stress, including the duration of operation (149.0±4.3 minutes) and the total volume of bleeding at operation (97.0±11.2 g), was significantly less in the PPG patients. Early postoperative complications were seen in 31% after PPG and in 35% after CDG. The most frequent complication in PPG patients was remnant gastric stasis (23%). Endoscopy showed redness or erosion (or both) of the gastric remnant in 17% after PPG and in 81% after CDG. Bile regurgitation was demonstrated in 11% after PPG and in 62% after CDG. In PPG patients, the pyloric ring opened and closed during the examination. Gastric pH was 4.2±0.4 in PPG patients but was significantly lower in CDG patients. The resting gallbladder area, examined by ultrasonography, demonstrated no changes after PPG but was significantly enlarged after CDG (from 11.3±1.2 cm2 to 15.8±1.5 cm2 at 2 weeks). The percentage of the original resting gallbladder area at 20 minutes after injection of cerulein increased slightly in PPG patients but recovered thereafter, whereas in CDG patients it increased significantly (from 39.4±8.3% to 66.7±9.1% at 2 weeks). No gallstone formation was detected throughout the observation period after PPG, whereas after CDG it was detected in two patients at 1 year. These results indicated that PPG for gastric cancer has advantages over CDG in terms of surgical stress, the condition of the gastric remnant, and gallbladder function.
The median body of Giardia lamblia: an ultrastructural study
Authors: Piva Bruno , Benchimol Marlene 
Published: October 2004

Abstract Giardia lamblia is an intestinal parasite of several mammals. The most striking feature of Giardia is the presence of a complex and unique cytoskeleton, and among its components the median body (MB) is the least defined microtubular structure. In the present study, we used a technique that allowed the removal of the plasma membrane and observation of cytoskeletal structures by both routine scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission high resolution SEM. This technique permitted new observations such as details and insights of the median bodies, not previously described or controversial in the literature. Light microscopy after Panotic staining, immunofluorescence microscopy using several antibodies, and thin sections were also used to better characterized the Giardia MB. The new observations concerning the median bodies were : (1) they are not one or two structures, but varied in number, shape and position ; (2) they were found in mitotic and interphasic trophozoites, in disagreement with previous works ; (3) they were present in about 80 % of the cells, and not in 50 % of the cells, as previously described ; (4) they could be connected either to the plasma membrane, to the adhesive disc, and caudal flagella, and thus they are not completely free in the cells, as published before ; (5) they can protrude the cell surface ; (6) their microtubules react with several anti‐tubulin and ‐beta giardin antibodies. These observations add new data on the scarce literature and to this largely understudied cell structure.
Effect of contrast media on vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Takatsuki H. , Furukawa T. , Liu Y. , Hirano K. , Yoshikoshi A. , Sakanishi A. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: In order to alleviate the adverse effects of contrast media (CMs) on the vascular system, the role of Ca2+ in the viability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was investigated. Material and Methods: VSMCs were obtained from swine thoracic aorta. The number of VSMCs was counted under a microscope using the trypan blue dye‐exclusion method 24 h after culture in RPMI containing physiological saline (SAL) as control, iothalamate (IOT), or iohexol (IOH) at 10% by volume with CaCl2 added at 0 to 2.0 mmol/l. Free Ca2+ in the above media was measured using an ion‐selective electrode. Results: Free Ca2+ was 0.4 to 1.5 mmol/l with ionic IOT and 0.4 to 1.8 mmol/l with non‐ionic IOH as well as with control. The ratio of viable cells grown in the presence of CMs to those grown in the control was optimal at approximately 0.60 near 1 mmol/l Ca2+ and decreased markedly to 0.00 at 1.5 mmol/l Ca2+ in the presence of IOT and to 0.39 at 1.8 mmol/l Ca2+ in the presence of IOH, while the ratios decreased gradually to 0.28 in the presence of IOT and 0.53 in the presence of IOH at 0.4 mmol/l Ca2+. Conclusion: Ionic IOT is more cytotoxic to VSMCs than non‐ionic IOH. However, the cytotoxicity was minimal and similar between both CMs at 1 mmol/l Ca2+ in accordance with the sodium‐calcium balance.
Magnetic resonance imaging with true fast imaging with steady‐state precession and half‐fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo sequences in cases of suspected placenta accreta
Authors: Kim J.‐A. , Narra V. R. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of placenta accreta in suspected cases of placenta accreta with true fast imaging with steady‐state precession (True FISP) and half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) sequences. Material and Methods: Five patients underwent MRI with HASTE ( n=5) and/or True FISP ( n=4) sequences for suspected placenta accreta. Retrospective review of MRI was performed to define the location and extent of the implantation abnormality. Results: The uteroplacental interface was visualized as three layers; inner low signal intensity layer, middle high signal intensity layer of myometrium, and outer low signal intensity layer of uterine serosa. Three cases were diagnosed with placenta accreta on MRI and focal non‐visualization of the inner layer was demonstrated. Conclusion: The finding of focal non‐visualization of the inner layer between the placenta and myometrium by MRI with True FISP and HASTE sequences was the diagnostic finding for placenta accreta.
Computed‐tomography‐guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of suspected malignant lymphomas: impact of biopsy, lesion, and patient parameters on diagnostic yield
Authors: Hesselmann V. , Zähringer M. , Krug B. , Wesselmann C. , Haferkamp K. , Wickenhauser C. , Lackner K. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic yield of core needle biopsy in patients with malignant lymphoma. Material and Methods: Computed‐tomography‐guided core needle biopsies in patients with malignant lymphoma performed in the period 1996 to 2001 were evaluated retrospectively. A biopsy was considered as “fully diagnostic” if a histological diagnosis, including the histologic subtype in the event of malignant lymphoma, was achieved and the clinical course and CT follow‐up of at least 6 months confirmed the biopsy results. A biopsy was regarded as “partly diagnostic” if histological work‐up defined malignant lymphoma but not the histological subtype, and if histological diagnosis bore therapeutic relevance. Diagnostic yield was correlated with features such as size of specimen, location and depth of the target lesion, and experience of the investigator. Results: 45 biopsies were performed in 40 patients. With respect to definite histopathological diagnosis, 31 biopsies (68.9%) were diagnostic and 14 (31.1%) non‐diagnostic. In 4 cases (8.8%), biopsies yielded partly diagnostic results, since therapy could be scheduled after biopsy without final sub‐classification. Statistical analysis of biopsy parameters revealed that sample sizes were significantly larger in the diagnostic group. Conclusion: CT‐guided biopsy can be considered as an alternative for lymphoma diagnosis and should be the first interventional procedure. The most important parameter for diagnostic success is the size of the specimen.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the evaluation of focal cerebral tubercular lesions
Authors: Batra A. , Tripathi R. P. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To review magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and spectroscopy findings in patients with focal cerebral tuberculosis and to assess whether these techniques can adequately characterize focal cerebral tubercular lesions. Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with single or multiple lesions were evaluated on a 1.5T MR system. DWI was performed with three ‘b’ values of 50, 500, and 1000 s/mm2 and the apparent diffusion coefficient maps were calculated. MR spectroscopy was performed using the point‐resolved single‐voxel technique with 2 echo time values of 135 ms and 270 ms. The signal intensities of the tubercular lesions on diffusion images and the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of their centers, along with MR spectroscopy findings, were analyzed in relation to their T2‐weighted MR appearances. Results: DWI identified 17 of the 20 lesions evaluated. Increased signal intensity was seen in 9 of the 17 lesions. The ADCs of the lesions ranged from 0.406 to 2.64×10−3 mm2/s (mean±SD: 1.038±0.609 mm2/s). Most of the lesions with hyperintense centers on T2‐weighted images were of increased intensity on diffusion images, while those with hypointense centers on T2‐weighted images were of decreased signal intensity on diffusion images. However, no statistical difference in the ADCs was found between lesions with increased and those with decreased signal intensity centers on T2‐weighted images. MR spectroscopy revealed a lipid peak at 0.9–1.3 ppm in all of the 14 lesions evaluated. An increase in normalized choline:creatine ratio was found in all the lesions in which the spectra were obtained with the voxel, including a variable portion of the lesion wall. Conclusion: DWI and MR spectroscopy help in determining the nature of cerebral tubercular lesions; however, since the findings are varied, they do not help in specific characterization.
Evaluation of 99mTc‐L‐methionine brain SPECT for detection of recurrent brain tumor: a pilot study with radiological and pathological correlation
Authors: Barai S. , Bandopadhayaya G. P. , Julka P. K. , Kale S. S. , Malhotra A. , Haloi A. K. , Seith A. , Sing N. Gopendro 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To evaluate technetium labeled l‐methionine for imaging recurrent brain tumors. Material and Methods: Brain SPECT with 99mTc‐l‐methionine was performed to evaluate tumor viability in 42 patients with primary brain tumor. Findings of SPECT were correlated with radiological and histopathological findings as reference. Results:99mTc‐l‐methionine showed localized increased uptake in 40 patients with tumor recurrence, whereas 2 patients with post‐radiation gliosis did not show tracer accumulation. A low differential uptake rate (DUR) 2.43±0.74 and methionine retention (MR) index 0.93±0.03 was seen in cases of post‐radiation gliosis. A high DUR (36.20±10.31) and MR index (4.87±2.37) was seen in cases of recurrent tumor. Mean DUR in high‐grade tumors (44.01±8.46) was significantly higher ( P<0.001) than in low‐grade tumors (30.42±7.38), and mean MR index in high‐grade tumors (7.03±2.05) was significantly higher than in low‐grade tumors (3.27±0.82) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:99mTc‐l‐methionine can be used as a SPECT tracer to differentiate tumor recurrence from post‐radiation gliosis.
Three‐dimensional angiography using rotational digital subtraction angiography: usefulness in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors
Authors: Tanigawa N. , Komemushi A. , Kojima H. , Kariya S. , Sawada S. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) angiography using rotational digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors. Material and Methods: Thirty‐one 3D angiographies were conducted using rotational DSA during abdominal angiography for transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors. The quality of visualization of the tumor and feeder arteries as imaged by 3D angiography versus DSA anterioposterior (AP) images was compared. Results: 3D rotational angiography provided excellent 3D visualization of the vascular structures of the hepatic artery, and was especially useful in patients with overlapping tumors on DSA AP images and in patients with complex vascular anatomies. Compared to DSA AP images, however, tumor stains could not be detected on 3D‐A, but could be detected on DSA in four patients (13%). In 9 patients, feeding arteries could not be detected on 3D‐A, but could be detected on DSA (29%). Conclusion: 3D rotational angiography alone may not be suitable for pre‐procedural mapping in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors, but may be of value when information supplementary to DSA AP images is needed.
Decentralization and Democracy in Indonesia: A Critique of Neo‐Institutionalist Perspectives
Authors: Hadiz Vedi R. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article assesses some of the major premises of neo‐institutionalist explanations of decentralization policy and practices, but focuses especially on the relationship between decentralization and democracy, in the context of the recent and ongoing Indonesian experience with decentralization. In the last two decades ‘decentralization’ has become, along with ‘civil society’, ‘social capital’ and ‘good governance’, an integral part of the contemporary neo‐institutionalist lexicon, especially that part which is intended to draw greater attention to ‘social’ development. The concern of this article is to demystify how, as a policy objective, decentralization has come to embody a barely acknowledged political, not just theoretical, agenda. It also suggests alternative ways of understanding why decentralization has often failed to achieve its stated aims in terms of promoting democracy, ‘good governance’, and the like. What is offered is an understanding of decentralization processes that more fully incorporates the factors of power, struggle and interests, which tend to be overlooked by neo‐institutionalist perspectives. The current Indonesian experience clearly illustrates the way in which institutions can be hijacked by a wide range of interests that may sideline those that champion the worldview of ‘technocratic rationality’.
Exercising Exit, Voice and Loyalty: A Gender Perspective on Transnationalism in Haiti
Authors: Gammage Sarah 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article explores gendered patterns of migration and transnationalism in Haiti. A combination of factors has prompted extensive rural–urban migration and emigration over the last three decades: violence, repression, economic collapse and the implementation of neo‐liberal reforms have left many Haitians with few options other than to seek a new life elsewhere. Although many Haitians abroad naturalize and take citizenship in host countries, emigration does not mean that ties to their homeland are severed. Indeed, a substantial number of Haitians remain intimately connected to Haiti, visiting, sending remittances and gifts, investing in land and exercising political voice in Haiti and in their country of residence. This article focuses on the gender dimension of Haitian migration and transnationalism drawing on Hirschman's typology of exit, voice and loyalty. These options are uniquely gendered. Although most analyses of transnational citizenship focus on men, women and women's movements in Haiti have also benefited from transnational organizing and the transnational links forged over the past three decades. Through migration, women have participated in changing the financial architecture and political landscape of Haiti. Expressions of voice and loyalty by women are challenging traditional gender roles in Haiti and contributing to an emerging transnationalism that has profound effects on Haitians and their communities at home and abroad.
Family and Collective Remittances to Mexico: A Multi‐dimensional Typology
Authors: Goldring Luin 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe development potential of remittances has resurfaced as a topic of analysis, based in part on dramatic increases in migration and amounts of money ‘sent home’, and partly in the growing interest and involvement by states and non‐state actors in gaining leverage over remittances. The trend is indicative of an emerging remittance‐based component of development and poverty reduction planning. This article uses the case of Mexico to make two broad arguments, one related to the importance of extra‐economic dimensions of remittances, particularly the social and political meanings of remittances, and the other based on a disaggregation of remittances into family, collective or community‐based, and investment remittances. Key dimensions of this typology include the constellation of remitters, receivers, and mediating institutions; the norms and logic(s) that regulate remittances; the uses of remittances (income versus savings); the social and political meanings of remittances; and the implications of such meanings for various interventions. The author concludes that policy and programme interventions need to recognize the specificity of each remittance type. Existing initiatives to bank the un‐banked and reduce transfer costs, for example, are effective for family remittances, but attempts to expand the share of remittances allocated to savings, or to turn community donations into profitable ventures, or small investments into large businesses, are much more complex and require a range of other interventions.
Harp (harmonin‐interacting, ankyrin repeat‐containing protein), a novel protein that interacts with harmonin in epithelial tissues
Authors: Johnston Anne M. , Naselli Gaetano , Niwa Hideo , Brodnicki Thomas , Harrison Leonard C. , Góñez L. Jorge 
Published: October 2004

Mutations in the triple PDZ domain‐containing protein harmonin have been identified as the cause of Usher deafness syndrome type 1C. Independently, we identified harmonin in a screen for genes expressed in pancreatic β cells. Using a yeast two‐hybrid assay, we show that the first PDZ domain of harmonin interacts with a novel protein, designated harp for harmonin‐interacting, ankyrin repeat‐containing protein. This interaction was confirmed in an over‐expression system and in mammalian cells, and shown to be mediated by the three C‐terminal amino acids of harp. Harp is expressed in many of the same epithelia as harmonin and co‐localization of native harp and harmonin was demonstrated by confocal microscopy in pancreatic duct epithelium and in a pancreatic β‐cell line. Harp, predicted molecular mass 48 kDa, has a domain structure which includes three ankyrin repeats and a sterile alpha motif. Human harp maps to chromosome 16, and its mouse homologue to chromosome 7. Sequences with similarity to harp include the sans gene, mutations of which are responsible for deafness in the Jackson shaker 2 (js) mutant mouse and in human Usher syndrome type 1G. The functional domain structures of harp and harmonin, their interaction under native conditions and their co‐localization suggest they constitute a scaffolding complex to facilitate signal transduction in epithelia.