bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sampling Statistics of Atmospheric Observations
Authors: Kristensen L. , Kirkegaard P. , Mann J. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractAfter having specified the basic vocabulary for simple statistics, which is recapitulated for N independent observations in section two, and which leads to the concept degrees of freedom equal to N, we proceed to the statistics of consecutive events that are correlated over finite times, i.e. having a ‘memory’ measured in terms of the integral time scale 𝒯. In section three we determine what we call the effective degrees of freedom 𝒩 for the case where there are many observations over a period of duration 𝒯. In this case, 𝒩 is smaller than N. The analysis is generalized in section four to include a simple equation for the ratio 𝒩/N irrespective of the sampling rate. Finally, in section five we present, as our major contribution, a theoretical model for 𝒩/N when we have intermittent sampling of an otherwise continuous signal. The model is applied to a time series of wind speed in specified wind direction sectors. The time series is intermittently and randomly interrupted when the wind direction gets out of the specified sector. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NOVEL PUTATIVE PURINOCEPTORS IN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM
Authors: Liu Shu‐Hong , Shan Li‐Mei , Wang Hai 
Published: December 2002

AbstractUsing an isolated rat aorta with intact endothelium, a functional bioassay system was created as follows: pre‐contract the isolated rat aorta with intact endothelium in the presence of 0.62μmol/l of norepinephrine, and then add acetylcholine to obtain maximal endothelium‐dependent relaxation. In the addition of low concentration of adenosine, a P1 agonist or ATP, a P2 agonist to this system, the rat aorta smooth muscle contraction was observed. This observation could not be explained in terms of the classic P1 and P2 receptor properties, suggesting that there may be a novel subtype of purinoceptors in the endothelium of the rat aorta. The P1 and P2 agonists‐induced rat aorta smooth muscle contraction could be blocked by the pretreatments of the bioassay system with a G protein (Gi/o) inhibitor, PTX, and EDNO synthesis inhibitor, L‐NAME and cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacine. The data strongly support that this novel purinoceptor may couple with PTX‐sensitive G protein, Gi or Go, and the novel purinoceptor‐mediated rat aorta smooth muscle contraction is dependent on the endogenous nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis. In an additional observation, pathophysiological conditions, such as hypertension, altered the characteristics of the novel receptor. Hypertension caused the novel receptor insensitive to adensone and uncoupling to PTX‐sensitive G‐proteins and lost of ability to initiate the receptor‐mediated prostaglandin synthesis. All together, the novel putative endothelial purinoceptor may play an important role in the control of vascular tone in physiological or pathophysiological statues.
BAK FOONG PILLS STIMULATE ANION SECRETION ACROSS NORMAL AND CYSTIC FIBROSIS PANCREATIC DUCT EPITHELIA
Authors: Zhu Jin Xia , Lo Pui Shan , Zhao Wen Chao , Tang Ning Chao , Zhou Qing , Rowlands Dewi K. , Gou Yu Lin , Chung Yiu Wa , Chan Hsiao Chang 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe present study examined the effect of Bak Foong Pills (BFP), an over‐the‐counter traditional Chinese medicine (China registration no. Z980035), on anion secretion and the underlying signaling pathways in normal and cystic fibrosis pancreatic duct cell lines, CAPAN‐1 and CFPAC‐1, respectively, using the short‐circuit current technique. Apical addition of BFP ethanol extract (600μg/ml) induced a fast transient ISC peak that was followed by a slower but more sustained increase in ISC in CAPAN‐1 cells. However, the response to BFP in CFPAC‐1 was predominantly the first transient peak. Apical addition of DIDS (200μM) inhibited the first peak by more than 60% in both cell lines without significantly affecting the second ISC rise. More than 85% of the BFP‐induced first transient in both cell lines was inhibited when extra and intracellular Ca2+ was chelated or emptied by pre‐treatment with BAPTA (100μM) and thapsigargin (10μM), respectively. Acute addition of PMA (1μM), a PKC activator, blocked more than 95% of the BFP‐induced first peak in both cell lines, consistent with previously reported PKC modulation of Ca2+‐dependent pancreatic anion secretion. The BFP‐induced second ISC rise in CAPAN‐1 could be inhibited by 73.6% and 71.13% by pretreatment of the cells with MDL‐12330A (20μM), an adenylate cyclase inhibitor and Rp‐cAMP (200μM), a cyclic AMP antagonist, respectively. However, less than 25% of the ISC was inhibited by combined treatment with BAPTA and thapsigargin. The second rise was also completely blocked by DPC (2mM) or Glibenclamide (1mM). The results indicate that BFP ethanol extract stimulates pancreatic duct anion secretion in normal and CF cells via different signaling pathways involving both Ca2+ and cAMP.
How to pass on expertise: Pancreatoduodenectomy at a teaching hospital
Authors: Wamser Peter , Stift Anton , Passler Christian , Goetzinger Peter , Sautner Thomas , Jakesz Raimund , Fuegger Reinhold 
Published: December 2002

AbstractPancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has become a routine procedure. Recent series report perioperative mortality rates of 5% or less, moderate morbidity, and even improved long‐term survival. Nevertheless, being one of the most complex abdominal operations, a certain number of surgical procedures (i.e., personal caseload) seems essential for acceptable results. The objectives of this retrospective study were to evaluate whether PD can be safely performed as a teaching operation, and if the personal caseload of the senior surgeon affects morbidity and mortality. A series of 128 consecutive PDs carried out at a large academic teaching hospital were analyzed. The 49 operations performed by 11 residents of the surgical department as teaching operations under supervision of an experienced (senior) surgeon (ES) were compared with operations performed by an ES (group 2, n=79). Three patients died from non‐procedure‐related causes (two in group 1). Eleven patients of group 2 had to be reoperated, in contrast to three in group 1 (NS). The total number of complications and number of pancreatic fistulas were comparable in the two groups. Surgeons performing less than one PD per year had significantly more complications. Under direct supervision of an experienced surgeon PD can be performed safely as a teaching operation. A caseload of at least one resection per year seems necessary for consistently good results.
Pattern and incidence of first site recurrences following sentinel node procedure in melanoma patients
Authors: Muller Markwin G. Statius , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , van Diest Paul J. , Pijpers Rik , Nijveldt Robert J. , Vuylsteke Ronald J. C. L. M. , Meijer Sybren 
Published: December 2002

AbstractStudies of large series of melanoma patients indicated that the average incidence of developing a recurrence during follow‐up was 40%. The most frequent first sites of these recurrences were the regional lymph nodes. We hypothesized that the sentinel node (SN) procedure may change the pattern of recurrence by reducing the number of first recurrences in the regional lymph node basin during follow‐up to a negligible number, and that locoregional cutaneous and distance metastases are the major future sites of recurrence. We further studied the influence of SN status together with different influential factors on prognosis. An SN procedure with a triple technique was performed in 250 consecutive patients with proven AJCC stages I and II cutaneous melanoma. The median follow‐up was 38 months. So far, 44 patients (18%) have developed a recurrence of the disease. The distribution of localization of the first metastases was as follows: 23 patients (52%) with a locoregional cutaneous recurrence; 4 (9%) with recurrence in the regional lymph node basin; 2 (5%) with recurrence in an interval node; and 15 (34%) with distant recurrence. The relative risk of developing recurrence for SN‐positive patients is 4.2; for Breslow thickness of 1.51 to 4.00 mm it is 5.5, and thicker than 4.0 mm it is 6.2; for lymphatic invasion 7.6; and for ulceration 3.8. We conclude that the SN procedure changes the pattern of recurrences during follow‐up by reducing the number of first recurrences within the regional lymph node basin to a negligible number. High Breslow thickness, lymphatic invasion, and ulceration of the primary melanoma are strong risk factors for recurrence.
Are postoperative complaints and complications influenced by different techniques in fashioning and fixing the mesh in transperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty? Results of a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Leibl Bernhard J. , Kraft Barbara , Redecke Jens Daniel , Schmedt Claus Georg , Ulrich Martin , Kraft Klaus , Bittner Reinhard 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIt is unknown at present what the best method is among mesh implantation, central incision, reconstructing the deep inguinal ring, or a non‐incised mesh implant in laparoscopic hernia surgery. Further, it is unproven to what extent a circular enclosure of the cremasteric structures by an incised mesh implant could cause postoperative complications and complaints. To evaluate the possible effects of different configurations and fixation techniques of mesh implants in transperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias, a randomized trial (phase IlIa study) was conducted to compare incised versus non‐incised mesh and clip fixation versus suturing the mesh. A total of 360 male patients with unilateral primary hernias were randomized to 3 groups. Postoperative complaints were documented by means of a visual analog scale. These values showed no significant differences between study arms. At the first postoperative control, on day 3, patients after repair of Nyhus type II hernias had significantly fewer complaints than those after Nyhus type IlIa and IlIb repair. To gain additional facts, a duplex flow examination of testicular vessels was performed pre‐ and postoperatively. Testicular perfusion was not influenced by mesh configurations in the trial. There were no statistical differences in postoperative complications and recurrence rates between groups. In conclusion no influence on postoperative complaints and complications could be demonstrated by different mesh fashioning and fixation alternatives studied in this trial.
Intraperitoneal pethidine versus Intramuscular pethidine for the relief of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Randomized trial
Authors: O’Hanlon Deirdre M. , Colbert Sallyann , Ragheb Jackie , McEntee Gerry P. , Chambers Frank , Moriarty D. C. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used and may be performed as an ambulatory procedure. We undertook a randomized comparison of the benefits of intraperitoneal pethidine compared with intramuscular pethidine for postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A series of 100 consecutive American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II patients were randomly assigned to intramuscular pethidine (54 patients) or intraperitoneal pethidine (46 patients). Each was combined with intraperitoneal bupivacaine. The primary end‐points were the pain and nausea scores at intervals after operation. All recruited patients completed the study. Pain scores at rest and upon movement were significantly lower in the group receiving the intraperitoneal pethidine at each of the time periods examined (pain at rest at 4 hours: 1.6±0.8 vs. 2.4±0.9 cm; p<0.001; pain upon movement at 4 hours: 2.1±0.9 vs. 3.1±1.2 cm; p<0.001). The total dose of pethidine administered via patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) during the first 24 hours after surgery was also significantly lower in this group (total dose 50.9±3.9 vs. 55.9±4.4 mg; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the respiratory rate at any of the time periods. Intraperitoneal pethidine analgesia was superior to an equivalent dose of intramuscular pethidine for the relief of postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This was achieved at the expense of increased nausea but no significant increase in vomiting. The accessibility of this route of analgesia administration has implications for patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures, particularly with the recent trend toward increased use of ambulatory techniques.
Is minisite cholecystectomy less traumatic? Prospective randomized study comparing minisite and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomies
Authors: Alponat Ahmet , Çubukçu Anil , Gönüllü Nuri , Cantürk Zafer , Öbay Oğuz 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe main objectives of minisite cholecystectomy (MC) are to have smaller incisions, better cosmetic results, less trauma, and a lower morbidity rate. This prospective randomized study compares MC with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) in terms of surgical trauma and cosmetic results in 44 patients. Conversion from MC to CLC was required in five patients. No conversion to open surgery was needed in the CLC group. The average operating time was slightly longer in the MC group, but the difference was not statistically significant (81 minutes versus 72 minutes, p=0.22). The population characteristics, postoperative respiratory function measurements, pain scores, and analgesic requirements were similar in the two groups. The average score for scar tissue was significantly lower in the MC group (0.73 versus 1.93, p=0.0045). Only the cosmetic results of MC were superior to CLC. This technique could be a feasible alternative procedure in patients seeking better cosmetic results. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate the postoperative morbidity of MC.
Reconstructive procedure after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer that best prevents duodenogastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Fukuhara Kenichiro , Osugi Harushi , Takada Nobuyasu , Takemura Masashi , Higashino Masayuki , Kinoshita Hiroaki 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBillroth I and II reconstructions are commonly performed after distal gastrectomy. Both may cause duodenogastric and duodenogastro‐esophageal reflux, conditions reported to have carcinogenetic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate which reconstructive procedure would most effectively prevent bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy. A group of 92 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were subjected and classified into three groups retrospectively by the reconstructive procedure undertaken: group A, Roux‐en‐Y (Roux‐Y) reconstruction (n=29); group B, Billroth I reconstruction (n=41); group C, Billroth II reconstruction (n=22). The bile reflux periods (percent time) for the gastric remnant and esophagus were measured with the Bilitec 2000 under standardized conditions. The percent time for the gastric remnant was significantly less in group A than in group B or C. In 61% of all patients, bile reflux into the esophagus was found to be more than 5.0% of the time; it was less in group A than in group B or C (p=0.057). A questionnaire revealed a good correlation between the incidence of reflux symptoms and the percent time for the gastric remnant and esophagus. Roux‐Y reconstruction is superior to either Billroth I or II reconstruction for preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy.
Long‐term results of vein sparing varicose vein surgery
Authors: Raivio Peter , Perhoniemi Vesa , Lehtola Aarno 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the long‐term functional outcome of vein sparing varicose vein surgery using handheld Doppler ultrasound (HHD). The series consisted of 171 consecutive day‐case surgery patients operated on for uncomplicated lower limb varicose veins. Venous segments considered competent were spared based on clinical examination and HHD, which was performed preoperatively only when deemed necessary by the surgeon. After a mean follow‐up of 8 years all patients were examined, a systematic HHD evaluation was performed, and the findings were classified according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological) classification, and disability scoring was performed. During the follow‐up period 17% of the legs were reoperated or scheduled for reoperation. At follow‐up 79% of all patients were asymptomatic without reoperation. In 24%, recurrent varicosities were present and venous reflux was demonstrated by HHD. Recurrence was two times more common when the saphenofemoral junction had originally been left intact. Of all recurrent cases, reflux was demonstrated in the long saphenous vein (LSV) above the knee in 62%, in the LSV below the knee in 7%, in the short saphenous vein (SSV) in 16%, in the posterior arch vein in 38%, and in a thigh perforator in 8%. Of the legs reoperated during the follow‐up period 41% presented with venous reflux at the follow‐up visit. We conclude that HHD efficiently reveals sites of reflux that have been missed during previous surgery and that a thorough preoperative HHD examination and marking of reflux routes is required.
Role of nitric oxide in the internal anal sphincter of hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Fujisaki Shigeru , Tanjoh Katsuhisa , Fukuzawa Masahiro 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIt is not clear what contribution the internal anal sphincter (IAS) makes to the impaired motility observed in patients with Hirsch‐sprung’s disease (HD). Nitric oxide (NO) has recently been shown to be a neurotransmitter in the nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory nerves in the human gut. To clarify the physiologic significance of NO in the IAS of HD (aganglionosis), we investigated the enteric nerve responses on lesional (aganglionic) and normal IAS muscle Strips above the dentate line. Lesional and normal LAS muscle strips above the dentate line were derived from patients with HD (10 cases) and patients who underwent rectal amputation for low rectal Cancer (12 cases). A mech‐anographic technique was used to evaluate in vitro muscle responses to electrical field Stimulation (EFS) before and after treatment with various autonomic nerve blockers, NG‐L‐nitroarginine, and L‐arginine. The following results were obtained: (1) Cholinergic nerves are mainly involved in the regulation of enteric nerve responses to EFS in the normal LAS. (2) The aganglionic LAS of patients with HD was more strongly innervated by cholinergic nerves than the normal IAS (p<0.05). (3) NANC inhibitory nerves were found to act on the normal IAS but had no effect on the enteric nerves in patients with aganglionosis. (4) NO was found to act on normal LAS, but no effect was observed in the aganglionic IAS. These findings suggest that innervation of the cholinergic nerves and a loss of NO mediation of NANC inhibitory nerves play an important role in the impaired motility observed in the IAS with HD.
Systemic immune response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy
Authors: Sheen‐Chen Shyr‐Ming , Chen Han‐Shiang , Eng Hock‐Liew , Chen Wei‐Jen , Jawan Bruno 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe laparoscopic approach is thought to reduce the postoperative immunologic and metabolic effects of an open operation. This study was designed with the aim of comparing the systemic immune response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Seventeen patients with gallbladder stones were assigned to undergo either a laparoscopic (n=9) or open (n=8) approach. The postoperative immune response was assessed by measuring the serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble L‐selectin (sL‐selectin), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) preoperatively and 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days postoperatively. Both approaches resulted in a significant decrease in sFas levels 1 and 2 days postoperatively. The open approach evoked a transient increase in sL‐selectin levels 2 hours postoperatively. Moreover, the open approach resulted in a persistent, significant increase in TGFβ1 levels postoperatively. Comparison of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy has shown no significant difference in sFas level and a statistically significant increase of sL‐selectin (within 2 hours) and TGFβ levels after open surgery. Although both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy evoked an alteration of the systemic immune response, our data showed that such immune response may be less after the laparoscopic approach.
Effects of prolonged pneumoperitoneum on hemodynamics and acid‐base balance during totally endoscopic robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies
Authors: Meininger Dirk , Byhahn Christian , Bueck Matthias , Binder Jochen , Kramer Wolfgang , Kessler Paul , Westphal Klaus 
Published: December 2002

AbstractLaparoscopic techniques have become a standard approach for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in many surgical disciplines. Recent progress in endoscopic surgery is based on the integration of computer‐enhanced telemanipulation systems. Because robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies take up to 10 hours, the present study was performed to evaluate the effects of prolonged intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation on hemodynamics and gas exchange in 15 patients with prostate cancer. When CO2 insufflation was initiated, peak inspiratory pressure increased and reached significant values after a 1.5‐hour period of intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation. With the release of CO2, peak inspiratory pressure decreased close to baseline values. A significant increase in heart rate was observed after a 4‐hour period of increased intraabdominal pressure. Mean arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure remained stable during CO2 insufflation. Minute ventilation was adjusted according to repeated blood gas analyses to maintain pH, base excess (BE), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and PaCO2 within physiologic ranges. The present data show, that prolonged CO2 insufflation during totally endoscopic robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy results in only minor changes in hemodynamics and acid‐base status. Because of the limited experience with long‐term pneumoperitoneum, we consider invasive haemodynamic monitoring and repeat blood gas analysis essential for such operations.
Clinical examination is an inaccurate predictor of intraabdominal pressure
Authors: Sugrue Michael , Bauman Adrian , Jones Felicity , Bishop Gillian , Flabouris Arthas , Parr Michael , Stewart Anthony , Hillman Ken , Deane Stephen A. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study was designed to establish if clinical examination can accurately predict intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Between August 1998 and March 2000 a prospective blinded observational study of postoperative intensive care unit patients was undertaken at a major trauma center. IAP was measured using an intravesicular technique and compared with clinical evaluation. An IAP of at least 18 mmHg was considered elevated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predicative value (npv), negative predictive value (npv), kappa score, and reliability analysis were calculated. A total of 110 patients provided 150 estimates of IAP, which was elevated in 21%. The kappa score was 0.37; sensitivity, 60.9%; specificity, 80.5%; ppv, 45.2%; npv, 88.6%. The mean difference in IAP values between intravesicular readings and clinical estimates was −1.0±4.1. Prediction of IAP using clinical examination is not accurate enough to replace intravesicular IAP measurements.