bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do seismic slip deficits indicate an underestimated earthquake potential along the Vienna Basin Transfer Fault System?
Authors: Hinsch R. , Decker K. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSeismic slip rates of about 0.2 mm yr−1calculated from cumulative seismic moments of earthquakes along the Vienna Basin Transfer Fault (VBTF) between the Alps and the Carpathians are very low compared to geologically and geodetically determined slip rates of 1–2 mm yr−1, proving a significant seismic slip deficit. Additional seismic slip calculations for arbitrarily selected fault sectors reveal large differences along strike ranging fromc. 0.02 to 0.5 mm slip yr−1. As the earthquake frequency distribution suggests seismically coupled deformation, these variations might indicate locked fault segments. Results suggest that (1) the seismic cycle of the VBTF exceeds the length of available seismological observation, and (2) larger earthquakes than those recorded may occur along the fault. Thus, current local seismic hazard estimates, which are solely based on this historical database, probably underestimate the earthquake potential of the fault system.
Tearing up Rodinia: the Neoproterozoic palaeogeography of South American cratonic fragments
Authors: Cordani U. G. , D'Agrella‐Filho M. S. , Brito‐Neves B. B. , Trindade R. I. F. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractRodinia was initially defined as a long‐lived supercontinent that assembled all the continental fragments around Laurentia and remained stable from 1000 up to 750 Ma. Nonetheless, recent work has cast doubt on the Rodinia palaeogeography and even on the timing of its assembly and break‐up. The geochronological and palaeomagnetic databases accumulated for South America and Africa in the last decade show that most of these continental fragments were not part of Rodinia. A wide Brasiliano Ocean separated most of the South American and African cratons from the Laurentia − Amazonia − Rio Apa −West Africa margin. This ocean was closed between 940 and 630 Ma along the Pampean–Paraguay–Araguaia–Pharusian mobile belts. Moreover, accretion along the South American and African platforms was a diachronous and long‐lived process that involved several intra‐oceanic and continental magmatic arcs and microcontinents. This evolution started at around 1000 Ma and ended at around 520 Ma with the final assembly of Gondwana.
New treatments in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Hooper Claire Y , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in individuals 50 years and older in the developed world. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in exudative AMD is responsible for the majority of severe vision loss. Until recently, laser photocoagulation was the only well‐established and widely accepted treatment for CNV. However, it is beneficial only for a small subset of patients, has a high rate of CNV persistence and recurrence and results in iatrogenic, collateral damage to the overlying retina. These issues make it difficult to recommend in the case of subfoveal lesions. Consequently, numerous experimental therapeutic interventions are under investigation with the common objective of destroying the CNV but leaving the foveal neurosensory retina intact. Treatment modalities can be grouped into five major categories: photodynamic therapy; radiotherapy; transpupillary thermotherapy; anti‐angiogenic and angiostatic agents; and surgical intervention. The present review aims to explain the rationale behind these new treatments, analyse the evidence for their safety and efficacy, determine their stage of development and indicate in which patients they are potentially useful.
Sarcoma and familial retinoblastoma
Authors: Chen Celia S , Suthers Graeme , Carroll Jacqueline , Rudzki Zbigniew , Muecke James 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Background: Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant ocular tumour of childhood. It results from mutations in the retinoblastoma gene, RB1, which may be sporadic or heritable. Only 10−25% of patients have a family history of retinoblastoma and can be assumed to have a heritable RB1 mutation. A small proportion of the remaining patients may have a heritable mutation despite the lack of relatives with retinoblastoma. Heritable RB1 mutations are associated with an increased risk of sarcoma. Described herein are three patients with a past history of retinoblastoma, no family history of retinoblastoma, and a first‐degree relative with sarcoma. Mutation analyses were performed on DNA samples from these patients to test for heritable RB1 mutations. Methods: A genomic DNA analysis of RB1 gene. Results: Heritable mutations in the RB1 gene were identified in two of the three cases. In these two cases, Bayesian risk calculation indicated that the chance of the affected relatives having the familial RB1 mutation was greater than 90%. In the case without an identified mutation, Bayesian risk analysis indicated that the chance of there being an unidentified familial RB1 mutation was low (16%) but could still be clinically significant in managing the family. Conclusion: The risk of non‐ocular malignancies and the availability of genetic testing for heritable RB1 mutations have important clinical implications for the management of children with retinoblastoma.
Further evidence for proinflammatory nature of perfluorohexyloctane in the eye
Authors: Vote Brendan , Wheen Lyndsae , Cluroe Alison , Teoh Heng , McGeorge Archibald 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Background: The authors present a clinicopathological report of their initial experience with perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), a novel semifluorinated liquid fluorocarbon developed as a long‐term vitreous substitute. Methods: A retrospective observational review was performed of five patients in whom F6H8 had been used for management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Surgical specimens taken from two patients at the time of F6H8 removal were also submitted for histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analysis. Results: Clinical and histological analysis of the present small case series confirmed the propensity of F6H8 to emulsify, and suggested a probable biological reaction to F6H8. Surrounding and engulfing the F6H8 were numerous cells morphologically in keeping with macrophages. Immuno­histochemistry confirmed macrophage phenotype but electron microscopic evaluation showed epithelial ultra­structural features. It is suggested that the finding of macrophagic phenotype in cells with epithelial ultra­structure provides further evidence for a continuum of phenotypic differentiation of the pigment epithelial cells as part of the repair and regeneration that is the proliferative vitreo­retinopathy (PVR) response. Conclusions: The data do not indicate any benefit of F6H8 over other perfluorocarbons for use in short‐term post­operative intraocular tamponade. Although early experience suggests that F6H8 use in primary vitrectomy with minimal PVR is acceptable and produces temporary inflammatory effects only, these cases can often be successfully managed by conventional scleral buckling techniques, or vitrectomy with standard tamponading agents, without the need for F6H8 and subsequent extra surgical procedures. Furthermore in eyes already predisposed to inflammation through prior surgery and/or presence of PVR, the inflammatory effects were not insignificant. The use of F6H8 is not recommended in the clinical setting, except as part of a controlled trial subject to the approval of an ethics committee and informed consent.
Primary malignant tumours of eye and adnexa in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur Sanjay Kumar Daulat , Sah Shatrughan Prasad , Lakhey Mamta , Badhu Badri Prasad 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Background: The purpose of the present paper was to report the spectrum of primary malignant tumours of eye and adnexa at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal, from 1995 to 2000. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records with histopathological confirmation of malignant tumours of the eye and adnexa was done for the years 1995−2000. A total of 116 consecutive medical records from the Department of Pathology at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences were retrieved. All those patients with primary ophthalmic malignancies were included and non‐malignant cases were excluded. Results: There were 80 patients of which 39 (48.8%) were male and 41 (51.2%) were female. Four patients had bilateral involvement. The most common malignancy was retinoblastoma (45.2%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (22.6%). Conclusion: Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer. The incidence of melanomas is correspondingly lower than that reported in the West. The present pilot study, the first of its kind, will lay the foundation for the monitoring of the future pattern of ophthalmic malignancies in Nepal and provide a basis for comparison elsewhere.
Early surgical intervention as definitive treatment for ocular adnexal capillary haemangioma
Authors: Slaughter Kate , Sullivan Timothy , Boulton Jonathon , O'Reagan Peter , Gole Glen 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Background: Capillary haemangioma is the most common orbital and eyelid tumour of childhood, with a prevalence ranging from 1 to 3%. Periorbital haemangiomas can cause amblyopia secondary to anisometropia, induced astigmatism, strabismus or occlusion of the visual axis. Oral and intralesional steroids are considered to be the most accepted form of primary treatment. The authors have been performing early surgery as definitive treatment in selected lesions and believe it has an important role. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 17 infants (2−20 months old) seen between 1996 and 2002 was carried out. Indications for surgery in the present series were astigmatism, rapid growth, anisometropic amblyopia and obscuration of the visual axis. Thirteen were treated primarily with surgery and the other four were treated with other methods prior to considering surgery. Preoperative computed tomography scans were obtained when indicated. Results: Fourteen lesions were completely excised; residual tissue was deliberately left in order to preserve vital structures in three cases. No major surgical complications were noted. One child with residual tissue after surgery, who had proliferation of the remaining tissue, developed anisometropic amblyopia and ptosis. One child had a mild ptosis postoperatively that resolved after 6 months. Follow up was for an average 11.1 months. Conclusions: Early surgical intervention should be considered in a multidisciplinary team approach as a primary treatment option with selected, isolated haemangiomas, without a significant cutaneous component. Surgery is a safe, effective treatment for selected lesions, provides a definitive early treatment, and prevents astigmatism and occlusion‐related amblyopia.
Genetic analysis in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy using the comparative genomic hybridization technique
Authors: Yen May‐Yung , Chen Yann‐Jang , Lin Chi‐Hung , Wang An‐Guor , Wei Yau‐Huei 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Background: Nuclear genes are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) but it has not been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to investigate chromosomal abnormalities associated with LHON. Methods: In a prospective study, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to analyse genetic changes in five patients with LHON with an 11778 mitochondrial DNA mutation and three asymptomatic maternal relatives. Results: There were no significant genetic copy number alterations detected in the five visually affected patients or in the three unaffected maternal relatives as compared to unrelated normal controls. Conclusion: The CGH technique did not detect any chromo­somal abnormalities in LHON patients or in unaffected relatives. Nuclear gene involvement, however, cannot be ruled out.
Endoscopic findings of the duodenal papilla in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Miyazaki Ryo , Ikeda Seiyo 
Published: September 2003

Background:  To our knowledge this is the first report describing the relation between the form of the duodenal papilla and the pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).Methods:  The duodenal papilla was studied endoscopically in 46 patients with PBM and in 80 patients without PBM.Results:  The duodenal papilla was classified into three types by three independent endoscopists.Conclusion:  The oral protrusion of the duodenal papilla in patients with PBM was shorter or absent compared with the duodenal papilla in patients without PBM.
Recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invading the muscularis mucosae or upper submucosa
Authors: Shimizu Yuichi , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Fujita Masahiro , Hosokawa Masao , Kato Mototsugu , Asaka Masahiro 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is recommended for cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in which the tumor is confined to the lamina propria mucosa. However, EMR is often performed in patients whose tumors invade the muscularis mucosae (m3) or upper submucosa (sm1) to minimize surgical invasion, despite the increased risk of lymph node metastasis. We evaluated patients who were found to have distant or lymph node metastasis after EMR for such lesions.Methods:  Thirty‐four consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma invading m3 or sm1 who underwent EMR during the period from June 1992 through March 2001 (extended EMR group) were studied.Results:  Five of these patients were found to have distant or lymph node metastasis on follow up. Patient 1 died of lung metastasis 34 months after EMR. Patient 2 underwent chemotherapy because of an abnormally high value of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen. Patient 3 died of upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis 62 months after EMR. Patient 4 underwent total gastrectomy because of gastric wall metastasis 41 months after EMR and underwent chemoradiotherapy because of upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis 87 months after EMR. Patient 5 was found to have cardiac lymph node metastasis by follow‐up endoscopic ultrasonography examination 42 months after EMR and underwent curative lymph node dissection.Conclusion:  It is unlikely that patient 1 and patient 2, both with probable distant metastasis, received inadequate treatment. Surgery with lymph node dissection usually cannot prevent distant metastasis. The patients with lymph node recurrence (patient 3 and patient 4) should have been followed up more carefully. We believe that patients with early lymph node metastasis, such as patient 5 in this study, should undergo curative surgical resection. Patients undergoing extended EMR should be carefully followed up for a long period to enable early detection and treatment of lymph node metastasis.
Experience with electronic radial endoscopic color Doppler ultrasonography in esophageal variceal patients
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Yamazaki Katsu , Toyota Jouji , Karino Yoshiyasu , Ohmura Takumi , Akaike Jun , Kuwata Yasuaki , Suga Toshihiro 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Endoscopic color Doppler ultrasonography (ECDUS) is a method for detecting color flow images in blood vessels. In the present study, electronic radial ECDUS in cases of esophageal varices is described.Methods:  Thirteen patients with esophageal varices were studied. The technique of ECDUS was performed using a Pentax EG3630‐UR (forward‐view) with a distal tip diameter of 12 mm. The instrument (electronic radial array) has a curved array scanning transducer with variable frequency (5.0, 7.5, 10.0 MHz) and B mode/color Doppler/power Doppler capability. A Hitachi EUB 6500 was used for the display, providing a 270° image. We monitored the color flow images of esophageal varices, paraesophageal veins and perforating veins using this technique.Results:  Color flow images of esophageal varices and paraesophageal veins were obtained in 13 of the 13 patients, whereas color flow images of perforating veins were obtained in four of the 13 patients (30.8%). The 13 esophageal varices exhibited velocities ranging between 3.0 and 11.7 cm/s (mean = 6.3 cm/ s). The forward‐viewing optics facilitated insertion, but the stiffness of the distal tip limited the flexibility of the scope, especially when attempting J‐ or U‐turn views.Conclusion:  Electronic radial ECDUS provides color flow images similar in quality to those of convex‐type ECDUS with the additional advantages of forward‐view optics and extended 270° views.
Learning curve for laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy
Authors: Yasuda Kazuhiro , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi , Fujii Kyuzo , Sonoda Kazuya , Kitano Seigo 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has proved to be useful in the management of early gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the learning curve for LADG and clarify any technical problems.Methods:  The study included 75 consecutive patients who underwent LADG between 1994 and 2002. All operations were performed by a single surgeon and with a surgical team who were skilled in laparoscopic procedures, but new to LADG. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgeon's level of experience at the time of surgery: Group I (n = 25, surgeries performed between November 1994 and April 1997), Group 2 (n = 25, surgeries performed between May 1997 and January 2000), and Group 3 (n = 25, surgeries performed between February 2000 and August 2002). We considered Groups 1, 2 and 3 to reflect the surgeon's beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of experience, respectively. Operation time, blood loss and incidence of complications were analyzed and compared between groups.Results:  Operation time and blood loss did not differ between Groups 1, 2 and 3 (operation time: 236 vs 258 vs 225 min; blood loss: 157 vs 198 vs 144 mg, respectively). Postoperative complications occurred in nine patients (12%); the incidence did not differ between groups. The most frequent complication was wound infection (4%), followed by anastomotic stenosis (3%). There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery.Conclusions:  There is no learning curve for LADG, when it is performed by a skilled surgeon and surgical team. Proficiency in basic laparoscopic techniques and open gastric surgery is easily adapted to safe completion of LADG.
Endoscopic removal of a dislocated covered wallstent using a wire‐loop technique
Authors: Itoi Takao , Nakamura Kazuto , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Moriyasu Fuminori , Tsuchida Akihiko 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and covered‐SEMS (cSEMS) are used for patients with unresectable malignant biliary strictures. Occasionally, there are cases where stent migration can easily occur.Methods and Results:  We experienced a dislocated distal cSEMS that was unable to be removed by previously described techniques. However, we could successfully remove cSEMS with a wire‐loop technique using a polypectomy snare and guidewire.Conclusion:  This technique may provide hope for the removal of severely dislocated cSEMS.
Comparison of histological analysis and endosonographic features in esophageal granular cell tumors
Authors: Yazumi Shujiro , Takahashi Rei , Kajiyama Toru , Nakase Hiroshi , Watanabe Norihiko , Ohana Masaya , Matsumoto Shigemi , Seno Hiroshi , Sawada Mitsutaka , Uchida Kazushige , Nabeshima Motoshige , Okazaki Kazuichi , Chiba Tsutomu 
Published: September 2003

Background:  The increased use of esophagogastroduodenoscopy has revealed the esophagus to be a common site of occurrence of granular cell tumors (GCT). To clarify the endosonographic features of esophageal GCT, we compared endosonographic findings and histopathological analysis of resected specimens of esophageal GCT and submucosal leiomyomas.Methods:  We enrolled a total number of 18 consecutive patients with esophageal submucosal tumors. They were preoperatively examined using 15 MHz or 20 MHz probe endoscopic ultrasonography. The endosonographic findings were retrospectively compared with hisopathological findings of the resected specimens.Results:  Five GCT and 13 submucosal leiomyomas were diagnosed histologically as well as endosonographically. Pathological analysis revealed that the dispropotional mixture of tumor cells, fibrosis and muscularis mucosa within the GCT would be endosonographically visualized as a heterogeneous hypoechoic mass. Moreover, the laterally scattered tumor cells, together with adjacent thickened muscularis mucosa, are reflected by the unclear margin of the tumor by endoscopic ultrasonography. In contrast, in the submucosal leiomyomas, tumor cells and fibrosis were uniformly mixed and the margin of the tumor was clearly demarcated. These histological findings would be endosonographically recognized as a homogeneously hypoechoic mass with a clearly demarcated border.Conclusion:  A high‐frequency probe endoscopic ultrasonography is useful for differentiating esophageal GCT from submucosal leiomyomas. Considering the histological characteristics, esophageal GCT should be resected with adequate tumor‐free margin when endoscopic treatment is applied.
Laparoscopic findings in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Seki Shuichi , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Kitada Takuya , Iwai Shuji , Fujii Hideki , Enomoto Masaru , Habu Daiki , Tamori Akihiro 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is prevalent worldwide, but little attention has been paid to the gross visual appearance of NASH. The present study was performed to address the laparoscopic features of NASH and the relationship between laparoscopic and histologicalal findings.Methods:  Eleven patients were examined by laparoscopy with liver biopsy. Histological findings were examined according to the criteria of Brunt et al. with minor modification. Mallory bodies were immunohistochemically detected by an antibody to ubiquitin in addition to hematoxylin eosin staining.Results:  Laparoscopic features of NASH were swelling of the liver, formation of many depressions, and dull edges of the liver. When steatosis was present in more than one‐third of lobules, yellowish markings appeared on the liver surface. NASH progressed from a smooth liver surface with or without yellowish markings, to formation of depressions on the liver surface, to cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Conclusion:  Laparoscopy may provide useful information in the diagnosis and progression of NASH.
Clipless laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy using an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer
Authors: Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Watanabe Masahiko , Nishibori Hideki , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: September 2003

Background:  Recently, a new type of laparoscopic electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS; LigaSure Atlas) was developed. The aim of the present study was to describe the feasibility and effectiveness of LigaSure Atlas in laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with ulcerative colitis.Methods:  Between January and December 2002, eight patients with ulcerative colitis underwent laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy. The median age was 30 (range: 18–51) years and median follow up was 6 (range: 1–13) months. The entire procedure was performed using only LigaSure Atlas and diathermy, without using conventional hemoclips or ultrasonic coagulating shears.Results:  There were no conversions to the open procedure. There were no intraoperative or postoperative hemorrhagic complications. The operative time was reduced by 40 min compared with the conventional laparoscopic procedure, and the cost was 350 US dollars less compared with the method using conventional hemoclips and ultrasonic coagulating shears.Conclusion:  The laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy using LigaSure Atlas is safe, feasible and cost‐effective in selected patients with ulcerative colitis.