bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical usefulness of carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 as a screening test for pancreatic cancer in an asymptomatic population
Authors: KIM JEE‐EUN , LEE KYU TAEK , LEE JONG KYUN , PAIK SEUNG WOON , RHEE JONG CHUL , CHOI KYOO WAN 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is generally poor, it is well known that the survival rate for resected pancreatic cancer is much higher than that for more conservative treatment. The importance of early detection is emphasized for resection of pancreatic cancer. Measurement of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 has shown satisfactory sensitivity and predictive value in symptomatic patients, but no available data has been found on healthy asymptomatic subjects. Thus, the authors aimed to determine the clinical usefulness of CA 19‐9 as a screening tool for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic subjects.Methods:  From December 1994 to November 2000, 70 940 asymptomatic persons visiting the Health Promotion Center at the Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, participated. All subjects underwent abdominal ultrasonography and serum CA 19‐9 measurement. The authors analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of CA 19‐9 for detecting pancreatic cancer. Also, those subjects who had a serum CA 19‐9 level above the cut‐off value were followed up using a serial check of CA 19‐9, computed tomography, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Results:  The number of subjects with a level of CA 19‐9 above the cutoff of 37 U/mL was 1063 (1.5%), including four cases diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The prevalence of pancreatic cancer over the age of 30 years is 13.66 per 100 000 population in Korea. Therefore, the sensitivity is 100% and the specificity 98.5%. However, the positive predictive value of CA 19‐9 for detecting pancreatic cancer is only 0.9% in the asymptomatic population.Conclusion:  Mass screening for pancreatic cancer using CA 19‐9 levels in asymptomatic subjects is ineffective because of a very low positive predictive value, despite its high sensitivity and specificity.
Fifteen‐year follow up of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction
Authors: ZARGAR SHOWKAT ALI , YATTOO GHULAM NABI , JAVID GUL , KHAN BASHIR AHMAD , SHAH ALTAF HUSSAIN , SHAH NISAR AHMAD , GULZAR GHULAM MOHAMMAD , SINGH JASWINDER , SHAFI HAKIM MOHAMAD 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Endoscopic sclerotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for bleeding esophageal varices both in adults and children but the long‐term outcome is poorly defined in children. The authors report a 15‐year follow up of sclerotherapy in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.Methods:  Between June 1982 and February 1992, 69 children with bleeding esophageal varices underwent sclerotherapy; variceal eradication was achieved in 63 (91.3%) patients, with procedure‐related morbidity of 28.9% and mortality of 1.4%. Fifty‐nine patients with variceal eradication were followed for between 10.4 and 20.1 years (mean, 15.1 ± 3.1 years).Results:  After a median period of 3 years (range, 1.2–12.8 years), seven (11.9%) patients presented with recurrent bleeding (esophageal varices, four; gastric varices, two; and duodenal ulcer, one). Recurrent bleeding occurred in six of seven (85.7%) patients within the first 4 years of initial variceal eradication. Esophageal varices recurred in eight (13.6%) patients. Five of the seven patients with recurrent bleeding and all eight with recurrent varices were effectively treated with further sclerotherapy. Two patients with gastric variceal bleeding unresponsive to sclerotherapy underwent shunt surgery. Elective surgery was required in eight additional patients for reasons other than recurrent varices or bleeding.Conclusions:  The authors conclude that (i) sclerotherapy is the ideal, safe and effective treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, that it prevented bleeding in 88.1% patients after variceal eradication and hence, should be included in primary management strategies; (ii) follow‐up endoscopy should be performed on a yearly basis for the first 4 years after variceal eradication; and (iii) surgery is required as a complementary technique for patients with uncontrolled bleeding, painful splenomegaly, growth retardation and symptomatic portal biliopathy.
Visceral perception thresholds after rectal thermal and pressure stimuli in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: LI YANQING , WANG YANMEI , ZUO XIULI , GUO YUTING , ZHANG HAIYAN , LU XUEFENG , LI JUNMAN , DESMOND PAUL V 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Visceral hypersensitivity has been shown to be present in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The current study sought to compare the characteristics of visceral perception thresholds after rectal thermal and pressure stimuli between IBS patients and healthy subjects.Methods:  A total of 46 patients with IBS were diagnosed using Rome II criteria. Thirteen healthy individuals participated in the study. Rectal visceral perception thresholds were examined in patients with IBS and in normal controls after thermal and pressure stimuli. Subjects were asked to report the sensation type, location, and spread.Results:  Compared with healthy subjects, IBS patients demonstrated significantly initially lower perception thresholds and defecation thresholds to rectal thermal and pressure stimuli, particularly in patients with diarrhea‐predominant IBS. Ice stimuli on the abdominal wall had varied effects on symptoms in patients with IBS and did not affect perception thresholds.Conclusions:  Visceral perception thresholds were decreased significantly after rectal thermal and pressure stimuli in patients with IBS. Visceral hypersensitivity may be one of the important pathogenic mechanisms in IBS.
Cost of outpatient care in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a German University Hospital
Authors: EBINGER MARGRIT , LEIDL REINER , Thomas Stefanie , Von Tirpitz Christian , REINSHAGEN MAX , ADLER GUIDO , KÖNIG HANS‐HELMUT 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Because of its long duration, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes high use of health services and high lifetime costs for medical care. The aim of the present study was to measure the costs of outpatient care in patients with IBD in a German University Hospital and to identify potentially relevant determinants of costs.Methods:  The use of resources of 599 outpatient patients treated at a German University Hospital (65% Crohn's disease [CD] and 26% ulcerative colitis [UC]) was measured using a routine database. Costs of medical services (diagnostics and treatment) were considered as well as costs of medication. Resource use was valued using fee schedules for hospital services and pharmacy prices for drugs.Results:  The mean cost of one outpatient visit was €162, including physician costs, laboratory costs, and costs of diagnostic procedures following the visit. For a subgroup of 272 patients, the mean annual cost for outpatient care was €3171. Medication accounted for 85% of the total annual costs. Potential determinants, such as main diagnosis (CD or UC), sex, age, localization of disease, and occurrence of anemia, had no influence on costs, whereas complications of IBD and use of corticosteroids showed an impact on annual costs.Conclusions:  This is the first time that the structure and range of outpatient treatment costs for IBD have been demonstrated for a German hospital.
Etiology and outcome of fulminant hepatic failure managed at an Australian liver transplant unit
Authors: GOW PAUL J , JONES ROBERT M , DOBSON JACQUI L , ANGUS PETER W 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The primary aims were to identify the incidence, etiology and outcome of all adult cases of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) presenting to the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit over the 14 year period since the Unit was established in 1988.Methods:  The database of the Unit was used to identify all adult patients (>16 years) who were referred to the Austin and Repatriation Medical Center in Melbourne with FHF between 1988 and 2001. The Austin and Repatriation Medical Center is the sole provider of adult liver transplantation services for the states of Victoria and Tasmania.Results:  80 patients (64 female, 14 male) with FHF were referred, at a rate of approximately one case per million population per year. The mean age was 37.6 ± 13.7 years. Most cases were due to either paracetamol poisoning n = 29 (36%) or non‐A non‐B (idiopathic) hepatitis n = 27 (34%). Thirty‐five patients were listed for transplantation, of which 26 underwent the procedure (77% of transplantation patients currently alive). Nine patients were listed for transplantation but did not undergo the procedure, eight died before a donor became available and one recovered. Of the 30 patients who survived without transplantation, 20 cases were due to paracetamol poisoning.Conclusions:  Liver transplantation has had a major impact on survival of patients with FHF, most significantly in patients with FHF due to causes other than paracetamol poisoning, in whom survival without transplantation is uncommon. Survival in those who undergo transplantation for FHF is excellent, but a significant percentage of patients listed for transplantation die before a donor organ becomes available.
Electric activity of the colon in irritable bowel syndrome: The ‘tachyarrhythmic’ electric pattern
Authors: SHAFIK AHMED , EL‐SIBAI OLFAT , SHAFIK ALI A , AHMED ISMAIL 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. It presents with crampy abdominal pain associated with alternating constipation and diarrhea but with no anatomic abnormality on diagnostic testing. Because the condition is related to motility disturbance, the hypothesis that a disorder of the colonic electromyographic activity is responsible for the colonic motile disorders in irritable bowel syndrome, was investigated.Methods:  The electromyographic activity of the sigmoid colon was recorded transcutaneously in 18 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (49.6 ± 10.2 years, 12 women) and 14 healthy volunteers (47.2 ± 9.9 years; eight women) by applying three electrodes to the abdominal skin below the umbilicus. The sigmoid colon pressure was measured by means of a saline‐perfused tube connected to a pneumohydraulic capillary infusion system.Results:  Slow waves with a regular rhythm were recorded in the healthy volunteers exhibiting the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity from all three electrodes. Action potentials (AP) were not registered. The basal sigmoid colon pressure was interrupted by bouts of elevation. In irritable bowel syndrome, the electromyographic rhythm was irregular and the slow wave variables were higher than those of the normal volunteers and were not the same from the three electrodes; occasional AP were also recorded. The sigmoid colon basal pressure was significantly higher, and was interrupted by pressure bouts significantly higher, than those of the volunteers.Conclusions:  Irritable bowel syndrome exhibited a ‘tachyarrhythmic’ pattern of electromyographic activity with higher slow wave variables than normal and occasional AP. The resulting elevated basal colonic pressure and tone may explain some of the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Because diagnostic testing of the irritable bowel syndrome shows no anatomic abnormalities, it is suggested that the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is related to an abnormal focus in one or more of the colonic pacemakers emitting these abnormal waves. However, further studies are required to verify these findings.
Novel human, mouse and xenopus genes encoding a member of the RAS superfamily of low‐molecular‐weight GTP‐binding proteins and its downregulation in W/WV mouse jejunum
Authors: DAIGO YATARO , TAKAYAMA ICHIRO , PONDER BRUCE AJ , CALDAS CARLOS , WARD SEAN M , SANDERS KENTON M , FUJINO MASAYUKI A 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemakers and mediators of neurotransmission in gastroenteric smooth muscles. Interstitial cells of Cajal require cellular signaling via KIT, a receptor tyrosine kinase, for development and maintenance of cellular phenotype. Much of the evidence demonstrating the functions of ICC comes from studies of W/W V mutant mice, which have reduced KIT function. The aim of the present study was to differentially examine gene expression in the small intestines of wild‐type and W/W V mice.Methods:  RNA from the jejunum of wild‐type and W/W V mice was analyzed using a differential gene display method.Results:  One candidate gene, encoding a novel small GTPase of the RAS superfamily, was significantly suppressed both in fed and starved W/WV mice. The full‐length clone of the murine gene and its human and xenopus counterparts were designated GTP‐binding protein, 28 kDa (G28K). Human G28K cDNA encodes a protein of 258 amino acids with homology to the human cell division cycle 42/G25K protein. This gene is located at 1q42.11–q42.3. G28K was abundantly expressed in the human stomach and the small intestine. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed expression of G28K mRNA within single isolated ICC.Conclusions:  Gene analysis showed that G28K was differentially expressed in the small intestines of wild‐type and W/W V mice. Interstitial cells of Cajal within the small intestine expressed mRNA for G28K. The specific downregulation of G28K in the jejunum of W/W V mice, and high expression in human intestinal tissue suggest that the G28K gene might be associated with ICC function in mice and in humans.
Downregulation of gelsolin and retinoic acid receptor β expression in gastric cancer tissues through histone deacetylase 1
Authors: KIM JIN‐HYUN , CHOI YANG‐KYU , KWON HO‐JEONG , YANG HAN‐KWANG , CHOI JAE‐HOON , KIM DAE‐YONG 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Overexpression of histone deacetylase (HDAC)1, which controls the expression of genes related to cell cycle and apoptosis, has recently been reported in gastric cancer (GC) tissues. In the present study, the pattern of gelsolin and retinoic acid receptor (RAR)β expression in GC tissues showing HDAC1 overexpression was investigated.Methods:  Expression profiles of HDAC1, gelsolin, and RARβ were evaluated and compared using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical analyses with 22 paired primary human GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues.Results:  Compared with normal gastric tissue, increased expression of HDAC1 mRNA and protein was detected in 17 (77.3%) of 22 GC tissues, while decreased expressions of gelsolin mRNA and protein were shown in 15 (68.1%) samples. Concomitantly, expressions of RARβ mRNA and protein were decreased in 16 (72.7%) and 17 (77.3%), respectively. Among 17 GC tissues with increased HDAC1 expression, the expressions of gelsolin and RARβ were simultaneously decreased in 14 (82.4%) and 15 (88.2%)  GC tissues, which indicates a strong inverse correlation between HDAC1 and gelsolin/RARβ expressions. Correlation between HDAC1 and gelsolin/RARβ was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry.Conclusions:  Taken together, the results of the present study reveal that silencing of gelsolin and RARβ occurs in GC tissues probably through HDAC1 overexpression and might play some role in gastric carcinogenesis.
A Re‐examination of the Balassa–Samuelson Hypothesis Using Recent Panel Data Unit‐Root and Cointegration Tests: Evidence from MENA Countries
Authors: Drine Imed , Rault Christophe 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:  The main goal of this paper is to reassess the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis using annual data for 16 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. We carry out recent panel data unit‐root tests proposed by Im et al. (1997) and recent panel data cointegration techniques developed by Pedroni (1999) and we compare the results with those obtained with conventional time series unit‐roots and cointegration tests. Our main finding is that whereas the standard time series approach rejects the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis for 11 countries out of 16, new panel cointegration techniques rescue this hypothesis for MENA countries.Résumé:  Cet article a pour objet de ré‐examiner l’hypothèse de Balassa–Samuelson en utilisant des données annuelles pour 16 pays du Proche Orient et de l’Afrique du Nord (pays du MENA). Nous mobilisons le test de racine unitaire sur données de panel proposé par Pesaran et Shin (1997) ainsi que les techniques de cointégration sur données de panel récemment développées par Pedroni (1999) et nous comparons ces résultats avec ceux fournis par les tests usuels de racines unitaires et de cointégration sur séries temporelles. Il ressort de nos investigations économétriques que les techniques usuelles sur séries temporelles rejettent fortement l’hypothèse de Balassa–Samuelson pour 11 pays sur 16, mais que les développements récents sur données panel conduisent à la réabilitation de cette hypothèse pour tous les pays du MENA.
Estimating the Macroeconomic Effects of Monetary Unions: The Case of Trade and Output
Authors: Anyanwu John C. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:  This paper examines the various theories and paradigms relating to trade and output in monetary unions. Both descriptive and empirical evidence have been used to analyse the case of African regional economic groupings, especially that of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and other countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While the descriptive statistics point to greater room for improvement, especially in the areas of price stability, fiscal discipline and greater intra‐trade, the empirical evidence shows that monetary union is beneficial to bilateral trade and especially economic growth. The results support the hypothesis that important beneficial effects of monetary union also come through central bank credibility.Résumé:  Le présent article examine divers paradigmes et théories concernant les transactions entre les unions monétaires et le rendement de ces groupes. Ses auteurs utilisent des éléments descriptifs et empiriques probants pour analyser le cas de groupes économiques régionaux africains, notamment celui de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest‐africaine (UEMOA) et d’autres groupes de pays tels que la Communautééconomique des ètats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO). Alors que les données descriptives indiquent que les unions monétaires ont encore beaucoup à faire pour stabiliser davantage les prix, renforcer la discipline financière et améliorer les transactions intragroupes. En revanche, les éléments de preuve empiriques montrent que les unions monétaires offrent certains avantages pour les échanges bilatéraux et, plus particulièrement, pour la croissance économique. Leurs conclusions viennent étayer l’hypothèse selon laquelle les banques centrales peuvent, lorsqu’elles sont crédibles, peuvent produire des effets tout aussi importants et bénéfiques que les unions monétaires.
Les Determinants de l’état de Santé au Togo
Authors: Koffi‐Tessio Egnonto M. , Tossou Yao H. , Homevor Kpotogbé A. 
Published: January 2004

Résumé:  L’impact limité des politiques de santé et de nutrition sur l’état de santé des populations au Togo justifie la nécessité d’avoir une meilleure compréhension des déterminants de l’état de santé au Togo. Sur la base des données de l’enquête démographique de santé du Togo de 1998, la présente étude a pour objectif d’identifier et d’évaluer l’ampleur des déterminants de l’état de santé. Il ressort de l’analyse bivariée que l’âge de l’enfant, la diarrhée, l’accès à l’eau potable, à l’électricité, aux latrines et l’état de nutrition de la mère expliquent de manière significative la différence entre les indices de croissance de court et long termes utilisés comme proxy de l’état de santé. A partir d’une fonction de production de santé, excepté l’âge de la mère, toutes les caractéristiques du ménage déterminent l’état de santé au Togo. Toutefois, les caractéristiques individuelles (vaccination, maladie, âge et sexe) sont plus importantes dans l’explication de l’état de santé que celle des ménages. Il convient donc dans l’avenir d’orienter les politiques de santé et de nutrition d’une part au profit des enfants vers une intensification des programmes de vaccination et de lutte contre les maladies diarrhéiques et d’autre part au profit des parents à travers une éducation appropriée et une politique de promotion des activités génératrices de revenu, des conditions d’assainissement et d’hygiène.Abstract:  The limited impact of the health and nutrition policies on the state of health of the populations of Togo makes it necessary to better understand the health status determinants in that country. Based on data gathered through the 1998 population health survey conducted in Togo, this study aims to identify and gauge the significance of these determinants. The bivariate analysis shows that the age of a child, diarrhea, access to potable water, electricity and latrines, and the mother's state of nutrition largely account for the differences between the indices of long and short‐term growth used as representing the health status. The results of this analysis show that, with the exception of the age of the mother, all the characteristics of the household determine the health status of the population in Togo. However, the study also reveals that individual attributes (vaccination, illness, age and gender) are more important than those of the household in explaining the status of health. From the viewpoint of policy, what this means is that in future health and nutrition policies should be directed towards children, on the one hand, and for intensification of inoculation and diarrheic disease control programmes. In the case of parents, on the other hand, appropriate measures in respect of education and promotion of income‐generating activities and sanitation and hygiene conditions need to be put in place.