bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of radiotherapy in the primary treatment of cancer in South Australia
Authors: Luke Colin , Chapman Peter , Priest Kevin , Roder David 
Published: June 2003

SummaryPrevious studies point to a lower use of radiotherapy by Australian cancer patients in lower socioeconomic areas and in country regions that are some distance from urban treatment centres. These were cross‐sectional studies with the potential for error from changes in place of residence. We used a cohort design to avoid such error. South Australian patients diagnosed in 1990−1994 were followed until the date of censoring of 31 December 1999 using data from the State Cancer Registry. The percentage found to have had megavoltage therapy in the first 12 months following diagnosis varied by leading primary incidence site from 44% for the prostate to 40% for female breast, 38% for lung, 17% for rectum, 3% for colon and 2% for skin (melanoma). Multivariate analysis indicated that determinants of not receiving megavoltage therapy in the first 12 months were older age, female sex, residence in a country region and country of birth. Melanoma data revealed earlier stages for women than men. If this difference by sex applies to other cancers, it might explain the lower exposure of women to radiotherapy. Fewer older patients received radiotherapy, consistent with trends observed in hospital‐based cancer‐registry data. The influence on this finding of differences in stage and comorbidity requires additional study. While earlier findings of a lower exposure of country residents to radiotherapy were confirmed, the difference was comparatively small in this study. Variations in exposure by socioeconomic status of residential area were not observed.
Accuracy of prostate radiation therapy using a fiducial point‐pair registration technique based on the computer‐assisted portal imaging quality assurance program PIPSpro
Authors: Mermershtain Wilmosh , Cohen Yoram , Krutman Yanai 
Published: June 2003

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess portal imaging for quality assurance of patient positioning in external beam radiotherapy. We present a retrospective study of the variability of patient position in the treatment of 34 prostate cancer patients who were treated with whole pelvic irradiation followed by arc therapy or boost field (Series I) and 25 patients treated by ‘small’ pelvic 4‐field box technique (Series II). Weekly anteroposterior‐posteranterior (AP‐PA) and left‐lateral portal images were compared to simulation films by using a fiducial point‐pair registration technique based on the computer‐assisted portal imaging quality assurance program PIPSpro, developed specifically for the verification of treatment positioning in radiation therapy. Series I consisted of 34 patients and 194 portal films (97 AP‐PA and 97 left‐lateral). Overirradiated (OA) and underirradiated (UA) areas were computed in terms of percentage of the reference field size. For the AP‐PA portals, the average OA was 2.75% and average UA was 2.74%. For left‐lateral portals, an average OA of 2.49% and UA of 2.78% were measured. Series II consisted of 25 patients and 194 portal films (98 AP‐PA and 96 left‐lateral). The average OA was 0.88% and average UA was 0.86% in AP‐PA portals, and 1.03 and 0.82% for left‐lateral portals, respectively. The accuracy of patient positioning in irradiation of prostate cancer in our institution is in the range of 2.69% for whole pelvic fields and 1.0% for small fields. We conclude that PIPSpro is an effective and useful tool for quality assurance in radiotherapy.
Impact of oedema on implant geometry and dosimetry for temporary high dose rate brachytherapy of the prostate
Authors: Kiffer John D , Schumer Wendy A , Mantle Carmel A , McKenzie Brett J , Feigen Malcolm , Quong George G , Waterman Frank M 
Published: June 2003

SummaryThe optimal timing of dosimetry for permanent seed prostatic implants remains contentious given the half life of post‐implant oedema resolution. The aim of this study was to establish whether prostatic oedematous change over the duration of a temporary high dose rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy (BR) boost would result in significant needle displacement, and whether this change in geometry would influence dosimetry. Two CT scans, one for dosimetric purposes on the day of the implant and the second just prior to implant removal, were obtained for four patients receiving transperineal interstitial prostate brachytherapy. The relative changes in cross‐sectional dimensions of the implants were calculated by establishing the change in mean radial distance (MRD) of the needle positions from the geometric centre of the implant for each patient's pair of CT studies. The treatment plan, as calculated from the first CT scan, was used in the second set of CT images to allow a comparison of dose distribution. The percentage change in MRD over the duration of the temporary implants ranged from −1.91% to 1.95%. The maximum change in estimated volume was 3.94%. Dosimetric changes were negligible. In the four cases studied, the degree of oedematous change and consequent displacement of flexiguide needle positions was negligible and did not impact on the dosimetry. The rate and direction of oedematous change can be extremely variable but on the basis of the four cases studied and the results of a larger recent study, it might not be necessary to re‐image patients for dosimetric purposes over the duration of a fractionated HDR BT boost to the prostate where flexiguide needles are utilized. Nevertheless, further investigation with larger patient numbers is required.
Traumatic pseudoaneurysm and high flow arteriovenous fistula involving internal jugular vein and common carotid artery. Treatment with covered stent and embolization
Authors: Ramsay Duncan W , McAuliffe William 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe describe the case of a 36‐year‐old man who presented following penetrating trauma to the neck. Angiography demonstrated a high‐flow arteriovenous fistula and large false aneurysm of the common carotid artery that also had contributions from branches of the external carotid artery and the thyrocervical trunk. This was treated with a combination of a covered endovascular stent placed in the common carotid artery and coil embolization of other small feeding vessels.
Occult epiphyseal bone abscess: Lessons for the unwary
Authors: Solomon Michael , Stening Michael , Macdessi Samuel , Shearman Christine , Pereira John , Hiew Chee Chung , Van der Wall Hans 
Published: June 2003

SummaryTwo male children presented with increasing pain in the right knee and constitutional symptoms. Biochemical markers of inflammation were elevated. Plain radiography was reported as normal and bone scintigraphy was consistent with synovitis of the right knee in the first case. The second child underwent aspiration of the knee with drainage of turbid fluid 1 week after antibiotics. Slow response to therapy led to MRI and CT scanning in the second child, revealing an epiphyseal abscess. Review of the scintigraphic studies in the first child raised the possibility of osteomyelitis of the distal right femur. Further imaging was undertaken with MRI and CT scanning confirming an epiphyseal bone abscess. Failure of diagnosis of an epiphyseal bone abscess by combined plain radiography and scintigraphy has not previously been reported and provides a number of valuable lessons.
Renal lymphangiomatosis: A rare cause of bilateral nephromegaly
Authors: Mani NBS , Sodhi KS , Singh P , Katariya S , Poddar U , Thapa BR 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe report the ultrasound, excretory urography and MR findings in a young child with renal lymphangiomatosis who presented with gradually progressive bilateral flank swelling but who was otherwise asymptomatic. The typical perirenal and parapelvic cysts are visualized as hypoechoic lesions on sonography and hyperintense on T2‐weighted HASTE images. T1‐weighted image could not delineate the cysts clearly. The renal parenchyma was hyperechoic on sonography, and MRI showed reversal of the normal corticomedullary signal intensity, and confirmed the diagnosis by suggesting the non‐parenchymal origin of the cysts.
Solitary perirenal metastasis from a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour mimicking a primary renal tumour
Authors: Figueiras Roberto García , Ayala Max Eusebio Cachay , Figueiras Alvaro García , Escandón Manuel Alejandro Sousa , Valcárcel Javier Pérez 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe present an uncommon case of a large solitary perirenal metastasis from a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) mimicking a primary renal tumour. A metastatic MPNST to the perirenal space is unusual and, in this rare location, is difficult to differentially diagnose from a primary renal tumour.
Vertebral haemangioma causing cord compression: MRI findings
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Cuganesan R , Barbarawi M , Spittaler P 
Published: June 2003

SummaryA case of a thoracic intraosseous cavernous haemangioma extending into the extradural and paravertebral spaces with a dumbbell‐shaped paravertebral component is presented.
Isolated central canal rupture of spinal dermoid: Report of two cases
Authors: Garg A , Gupta V , Gaikwad S , Deol P , Mishra NK , Suri A , Kale SS 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe report two cases of lumbar spinal dermoid cysts with asymptomatic rupture and migration of free fat droplets into the central canal. No fatty droplets were seen within the lumbar subarachnoid space. The presence of fat droplets within the central canal is unusual because the central canal is rudimentary in adults. We suggest that hydromyelia secondary to tumour and specific tumour morphology might facilitate the selective rupture of dermoids into the central canal. We recommend a follow up of these patients to detect any possible intracranial migration of fat droplets and resultant complications.
Oesophageal dissection: Contrast studies and CT in diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Constantine Sarah 
Published: June 2003

SummaryOesophageal dissection with intramural haematoma formation can be difficult to diagnose. Endoscopy can be diagnostic, but imaging techniques including computed tomography and contrast swallows can both accurately demonstrate a dissection and exclude many other pathologies. A case utilizing both imaging modalities to diagnose and monitor the condition in a patient with a bleeding disorder is presented.
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the premaxilla
Authors: Murthy Vedang , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Jalali Rakesh , Chinoy Roshni F 
Published: June 2003

SummarySolitary extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare tumour with radiotherapy playing an important role in its management. This report describes the case history of a man with a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma at an extremely rare site, the premaxilla, that posed certain diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The patient underwent surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The use of two modalities of treatment for this localized tumour has been justified by briefly reviewing the literature and defining the various prognostic factors. These prognostic factors in turn should guide the treatment of these uncommon tumours.
Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous radiological gastrostomy: Technique, metholodology and pitfalls
Authors: Pitman AG , Lau PHC , Lau WFE , Beaty C , McKenzie AF 
Published: June 2003

SummaryFluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement is an uncommon but well‐established inter­‐ventional procedure. We present our experience of this procedure in a series of 23 patients, concentrating on the methodology, technique and pitfalls.
Hiding in the Bunker: Challenges for a radiation oncology department operating in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak
Authors: Mukherjee RK , Back MF , Lu JJ , Shakespeare TP , Wynne CJ 
Published: June 2003

SummaryIn February 2003, one woman returned from Hong Kong to Singapore with a previously undescribed atypical pneumonia. Two months later, Singapore is facing its greatest ever threat to its population's health and the country's economy. The government has taken strong action to break the chain of infection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As a radiation oncology department in Singapore, we have faced challenges in keeping staff and patients safe while continuing to provide a service to our patients. In this article, we outline the measures taken to curb SARS in Singapore and discuss the implications for Australasian radiation oncology departments.
A new knotweed‐boring species of the genus Ostrinia Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Japan
Authors: OHNO Suguru 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA pyraustine species of the genus Ostrinia Hübner collected at Shigakogen, central Honshu, Japan is described as new to science under the name of Ostrinia ovalipennis sp. nov. This species is morphologically similar to the Far Eastern knotweed borer, Ostrinia latipennis, but is distinguishable from O. latipennis in wing marking and male genitalia. Larvae of O. ovalipennis feed on the knotweed, Reynoutria sachalinensis (Polygonaceae), as do larvae of O. latipennis. In Shigakogen, adults of the two knotweed‐boring species co‐occur in the same season. Adults of O. ovalipennis were captured only in July, suggesting that this species is univoltine. The fact that O. ovalipennis shares several morphological and ecological features with O. latipennis suggests that the species is the closest relative of O. latipennis.
The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, in Japan: Assessment of impact on species diversity of ant communities in urban environments
Authors: TOUYAMA Yoshifumi , OGATA Kazuo , SUGIYAMA Takashi 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr) invaded the Hiroshima Prefecture in south‐west Japan some time before 1990. In this report, we describe the distribution of this exotic ant species and assess its impact on indigenous ant communities in urban areas. L. humile is now widely distributed mainly in urban areas and surrounding secondary vegetation of the cities Hatsukaichi and Hiroshima. The impact assessment suggested that L. humile reduced species diversity of local, indigenous ant communities. There was differential sensitivity of indigenous ant species to the invasion of L. humile. Some ant species disappeared in parks infested with L. humile; for example, Pheidole noda, Pheidole indica and Lasius japonicus. L. humile seemed to be superior to these ant species in certain traits and habits, such as mobility, recruitment ability, aggressiveness and omnivory. In contrast, Paratrechina sakurae and Camponotus vitiosus were less affected by L. humile infestation. The mechanisms allowing such coexistence seemed to be small body size (P. sakurae) and arboreal nesting habits (C. vitiosus).
Seasonal changes in wing dimorphism of the lygaeid bug Dimorphopterus japonicus (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) in relation to environmental factors
Authors: SASAKI Rikiya , NAKASUJI Fusao , FUJISAKI Kenji 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe lygaeid bug Dimorphopterus japonicus Hidaka, which mainly feeds on a eulalia, Miscanthus sinensis, shows marked wing dimorphism of brachyptery and macroptery. Its production of macropters is stimulated in rearing conditions such as high temperature, long photoperiod and crowding during the nymphal stage. In this study, we investigated the seasonal prevalence in occurrence and the seasonal change in incidence of macroptery in D. japonicus for field populations in Okayama, western Japan. The results demonstrated that nymphal density was a key factor in determining the proportion of macropters, indicating an escape strategy from crowded populations. The field surveys also revealed that this bug has a univoltine life cycle in Okayama. There was a seasonal change in the incidence of macroptery in the new generation. The combined effects of temperature and photoperiod on wing‐form determination explained this seasonality trait.
Local divergence in developmental traits within a trivoltine area of Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: GOMI Tadashi , INUDO Mitsunori , YAMADA Daiki 
Published: June 2003

AbstractTo detect divergence of the introduced fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, within its trivoltine area in Japan, developmental traits were determined in the Kobe (34°41′N) and Kumamoto (32°48′N) populations. The lower threshold temperature for development was not different between these two populations. The thermal constant for larval development was considerably smaller in the Kobe population than in the Kumamoto population. Two types of larva occurred in these populations, one with six instars and the other with seven. In the six‐instar type, the developmental period was not different between the populations in males, but the pupal weight was greater and the forewing was longer in both sexes in the Kumamoto population than in the Kobe population. In the Kumamoto population, the seven‐instar type had a longer developmental period, heavier pupa and longer forewing than the six‐instar type. The proportion of the seven‐ to the six‐instar type was greater in the Kumamoto population than in the Kobe population, resulting in the longer developmental time and greater body size of the former.
Ogasawaracris gloriosus, a new genus and species of possibly extinct grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from the Ogasawara Islands
Authors: ITO Gen 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA new grasshopper genus and species of the subfamily Eyprepocnemidinae, Ogasawaracris gloriosus, is described from the Ogasawara Islands, oceanic islands south of Japan. This species has unique characteristics, such as an extraordinarily large body, rugose and very coarse punctation on the lateral surface of the pronotum, and very strong pronotal lateral carinae. Specimens of this new species have rarely been collected and they are known only from the Ogasawara Islands. The species may already be extinct.
Tuberaphis owadai (Homoptera), a new aphid species forming a large gall on Styrax tonkinensis in northern Vietnam
Authors: KUROSU Utako , AOKI Shigeyuki 
Published: June 2003

Abstract Tuberaphis owadai sp. nov., an aphid species forming coral‐shaped galls on Styrax tonkinensis in northern Vietnam, is described. We found that the species produces many sterile second‐instar soldiers in the gall. The colony size of a large gall was estimated to be 178 000, approximately half of which were soldiers. Alates emerging from galls contained sexual embryos, indicating that the life cycle is monoecious (non‐host‐alternating). Predaceous larvae of the pyralid moth Assara seminivalis were found in several galls.
Fungus gnats of the genera Anatella, Allodia and Cordyla in Japan (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)†
Authors: SASAKAWA Mitsuhiro , ISHIZAKI Hironori 
Published: June 2003

AbstractSix new mycetophilid species from three genera belonging to the tribe Exechiini are described: Anatella prominens on a fungus of the Polyporaceae, Allodia bipexa and Allodia conifera on fungi of the Russulaceae, Allodia quadrata on fungi of the Hygrophoraceae, Tricholomataceae, Rhodophyllaceae, Russulaceae and Fistulinaceae, Allodia laccariae on a fungus of the Tricholomataceae, and Cordyla bidenticulata on a fungus of the Boletaceae. Their characteristic male genitalia are illustrated. Cordyla flaviceps Staeger, Cordyla fusca Meigen and Cordyla pusilla Edwards are newly recorded from Japan.
No relationship between range size and germination niche width in the UK herbaceous flora
Authors: Thompson K. , Ceriani R. M. 
Published: June 2003

Summary

It is widely assumed that species with broad niches will be commoner (have larger ranges) than species with narrow niches, but attempts to demonstrate this in plants and animals have generally been unsuccessful.
We used seasonal seedling emergence data to define the width of one important niche axis for 175 UK herbaceous species. We then compared niche width with UK range, using species as independent data points and also phylogenetically independent contrasts.
We found no evidence of any relationship between niche width and range. Possible reasons for this are: (i) mature plant traits are more important than seedling emergence in determining plant ranges; and (ii) ranges of most plants are strongly dispersal‐limited.
Survival, the hormonal stress response and UV‐B avoidance in Cascades Frog tadpoles (Rana cascadae) exposed to UV‐B radiation
Authors: Belden L. K. , Moore I. T. , Mason R. T. , Wingfield J. C. , Blaustein A. R. 
Published: June 2003

Summary

Despite the increasing occurrence of global environmental changes, including increases in ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐B; 280–320 nm), little is known about how factors such as UV‐B affect animals physiologically. Amphibians provide a good model for examining physiological effects of UV‐B exposure because studies documenting both lethal and sub‐lethal effects have been completed on many species.
This study examines survival and the hormonal stress response, as measured by whole body levels of the glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone, of Cascades Frog, Rana cascadae, tadpoles exposed to ambient UV‐B in the field for either 7 or 42 days.
There were no differences in corticosterone levels between UV‐B exposed and non‐exposed tadpoles at either time point. However, after 42 days, survival was significantly higher in tadpoles shielded from UV‐B.
A stress response profile performed in the field demonstrated that young R. cascadae tadpoles are able to respond to confinement stress with increasing corticosterone. In addition, results from UV‐B avoidance tests suggest that R. cascadae tadpoles do not avoid UV‐B.
Thus, R. cascadae tadpoles may not perceive UV‐B radiation, which would explain why they do not respond hormonally to exposure, despite the potential for exposure to result in mortality.
A safe method of deflating ovarian cysts in a bag at laparoscopy
Authors: Montella Fabio , Balanikos Panos , Scott Peter , Magos Adam 
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTObjective To describe a novel technique to drain a cyst in a bag at laparoscopic oophorectomy/cystectomy to reduce the incidence of bag rupture and intra‐peritoneal spillage of the cyst contents.Setting An undergraduate teaching hospital.Subjects Six women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts.Design Prospective observational study.Materials and Methods We used the sterile plastic wrapping of the disposable suction/irrigation tubing as the bag. The bag is inserted via the 10 mm camera port by rolling it onto the blunt probe. The specimen is put into the bag either prior to surgery (for ovarian cystectomy) or after excision (for oophorectomy). The opening of the bag is then pulled out through the left ancillary port incision. To drain and debulk the cyst, a blunt probe is put into the bag and a valveless cannula rail‐roaded over the probe. The probe is removed and a Veress needle pushed down the cannula and into the cyst under direct laparoscopic vision. The cyst is drained and the bag removed either via the incision or a posterior colpotomy.Results This technique was used on six patients. In all cases the bag remained intact with no spillage of ovarian contents.Conclusion This technique reduces the chance of cyst content spillage during drainage at laparoscopic oophorectomy/cystectomy while avoiding the need to use expensive disposable laparoscopic bags.
Cervical and vaginal burn following hydro thermablation
Authors: Roberts Catharine , Hill Nicholas 
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTObjective To highlight a potential complication of hydro thermablation, an ablative procedure designed to be easy to learn and safe to perform.Design Case report.Setting A district general hospital.Conclusion Adequate training and strict attention to surgical technique is absolutely necessary to prevent further untoward incidents occurring during this otherwise simple and effective procedure.