bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral Surgery Supported by Germline RET Oncogene Mutation Analysis in Patients with Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Miyauchi Akira , Matsuzuka Fumio , Hirai Keisuke , Yokozawa Tomotsu , Kobayashi Kaoru , Kuma Seiji , Kuma Kanji , Futami Hitoyasu , Yamaguchi Ken 
Published: August 2002

AbstractCompared to hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), sporadic MTC tends to be unicentric and confined to one lobe. Patients with sporadic MTC usually undergo total thyroidectomy because of a possible hereditary or bilateral process. We evaluated the usefulness of germline RET oncogene mutation analysis in surgery for apparently sporadic MTC and performed unilateral surgery on patients without detectable mutation. In 36 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of apparently sporadic MTC, we performed germline RET oncogene mutation analyses: before surgery in 8 recent patients and after surgery in 28 who had been treated before 1996. Of the latter, 5 had bilateral MTC. DNA samples were extracted from their peripheral blood, and the polymerase chain reaction products of the RET proto‐oncogene were analyzed using single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis and the direct sequencing methods. Before 1996 we often performed total thyroidectomy but changed to hemithyroidectomy thereafter, except in one patient with associated Graves' ophthalmopathy. Our minimal standard practice included systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection. The outcome was assessed in terms of gastrin‐ and calcium‐stimulated plasma calcitonin levels. Germline RET mutations were found in six patients. Five of these patients had bilateral MTC, whereas all 30 patients without mutation had unilateral disease. Hemithyroidectomy in seven of our recent patients resulted in normalization of plasma calcitonin levels in all, although four were found to have microscopic lymph node involvement. In conclusion, hemithyroidectomy with systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection is an appropriate procedure for patients with sporadic MTC without detectable germline RET mutations.
Vertical Gastroplasty: Evolution of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Authors: Mason Edward E. , Doherty Cornelius , Cullen Joseph J. , Scott David , Rodriguez Evelyn M. , Maher James W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to summarize the goals, technical requirements, advantages, and potential risks of gastroplasty for treatment of severe obesity. Gastroplasty is preferred to more complex operations, as it preserves normal digestion and absorption and avoids complications that are peculiar to exclusion operations. The medical literature and a 30‐year experience at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) provides an overview of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) evolution. Preliminary 10‐year results with the VBG technique currently used at UIHC are included. At UIHC the VBG is preferred to other gastroplasties because it provides weight control that extends for at least 10 years and the required objective, intraoperative quality control required for a low rate of reoperation. It is recommended that modifications of the operative technique not be attempted until a surgeon has had experience with the standardized operation—and then only under a carefully designed protocol. Realistic goals for surgery and criteria of success influence the choice of operation and the optimum, lifelong risk/benefit ratio. In conclusion, VBG is a safe, long‐term effective operation for severe obesity with advantages over complex operations and more restrictive simple operations.
Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Ultrasonography for Staging Pancreatic Cancer: Critical Appraisal
Authors: Pietrabissa A. , Caramella D. , Di Candio G. , Carobbi A. , Boggi U. , Rossi G. , Mosca F. 
Published: August 2002

Abstract.A pilot study was designed to elucidate the role of staging laparoscopy for determining resectability in patients with pancreatic cancer. The additional value of laparoscopic contact ultrasonography (LCU) was also evaluated with specific regard to its ability to detect hepatic metastases and assess vascular infiltration of the portomesenteric trunk. A consecutive sample of 50 patients referred for operation of a suspected pancreatic cancer were submitted to preoperative contrast‐enhanced high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) and staging laparoscopy combined with LCU at a university hospital. For those progressing to exploratory laparotomy, the intraoperative findings relating to tumor diffusion and vascular infiltration were compared to CT, laparoscopic, and LCU data. Analytical description of the laparoscopic findings is given. Row data of predicted versus observed vascular infiltration were tabulated for CT and LCU. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of each diagnostic test were calculated for comparative analysis. Laparoscopy alone prevented unnecessary laparotomy in 20% of cases. A complete procedure could not be achieved in 28% of patients. Three false‐negative staging results occurred. LCU identified small (benign) hepatic nodules not seen by CT in 8% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for assessing vascular infiltration were 82%, 53%, and 69% for CT and 94%, 80%, and 87% for LCU. Laparoscopy was confirmed to be safe and effective for staging pancreatic cancer. Because of its unique capabilities to detect even small peritoneal tumor deposits a quick exploration immediately before laparotomy is advised in all patients. The additional benefit of a more extensive procedure is not supported by our results. Although LCU appears to define the vascular involvement more accurately than conventional CT, the limitation of getting clinically useful ultrasound data in all the patients suggests its adoption in only a selected population.
Impact of introduced honeybees, Apis mellifera, upon native bee communities in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Authors: Kato M. , Shibata Akihiro , Yasui Takaya , Nagamasu Hidetoshi 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands are oceanic islands located in the northwest Pacific, and have ten native (nine endemic) bee species, all of which are nonsocial. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera), which was introduced to the islands for apiculture in the 1880s, became naturalized in a few islands shortly after introduction. To detect the impact of the honeybees upon native bee diversity, we analyzed pollen harvest by honeybees and surveyed the relative abundance of honeybees and native bees on flowers on several islands. Both hived and feral honeybee colonies were active throughout the year, harvesting pollen of both native and alien flowers and from both entomophilous and anemophilous flowers. Honeybees strongly depended on the alien plants, especially during winter to spring when native melittophilous flowers were rare. From June to November, honeybees exhaustively utilized native flowers, which had originally been utilized and pollinated by native bees. On Chichi and Haha Islands, where human disturbance of forests has been severe, both native and alien flowers were dominated by honeybees, and native bees were rare or extinct even in well‐conserved forests. In contrast, on Ani Island and Haha's satellite islands where primary forests were well conserved and honeybees were still uncommon or absent, native bees remained dominant. These results suggest that competition for nectar and pollen of the native flowers between honeybees and native bees favors honeybees on the disturbed islands, which are thoroughly invaded by alien nectariferous, sometimes aggressive, weedy plants.
Radiographic Evaluation of Acetabular Component Position in Dogs
Authors: Dyce Jonathan , Wisner Erik R. , Schrader Steven C. , Wang Qiang , Olmstead Marvin L. 
Published: August 2002

Objective— To assess the usefulness of standard radiographic projections for determining acetabular cup position and to compare 2 radiographic methods for calculation of the angle of lateral opening of the acetabular cup.Study Design— In vitro radiographic study.Methods— Acetabular components were mounted on a custom‐built inclinometer. The effect of varying the angles of lateral opening, inclination, version, and centering of the x‐ray beam on the radiographic appearance of the cup was investigated. The angle of lateral opening was calculated trigonometrically after direct measurement and by means of computer‐aided image analysis.Results— Using a ventrodorsal radiograph, the computer‐aided measurement of angle of lateral opening was accurate to within 5° when the true angle of lateral opening was ≥40°. In the case of direct measurement, the calculated angle was accurate to within 5° only when the true angle was ≥60°. An increasing angle of inclination was associated with reduced accuracy of calculation of the angles of lateral opening and version. Standard radiographic assessment of acetabular version and inclination was not found to be clinically useful. The displacement of the x‐ray beam, which would cause significant error in the determination of lateral opening, is unlikely to be exceeded in practice. Cup size had no significant effect on the accuracy of the results.Conclusions— Computer‐aided image analysis can be used to calculate angles of lateral opening to within 10° throughout the range of acetabular positions seen in practice and is appropriate for postoperative documentation of cup position. The angles of inclination and version should be interpreted with caution.
Synovitis Subsequent to Total‐Hip Arthroplasty with and Without Hydroxyapatite Coatings: A Study in Dogs
Authors: Anderson Gail I. , Orlando Kent , Waddell James P. 
Published: August 2002

Objective— To establish whether hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings applied to metal total‐hip‐replacement components increased synovitis in the coxofemoral joint of dogs.Study Design— An in vivo research trial and histologic study.Animals— Twenty‐three large, mixed‐breed dogs.Methods— Arthroplasty components were implanted with HA on neither stem nor cup, or with HA applied to either the femoral component or with both stem and cup having HA applied in 23 dogs. Synovial inflammation was scored 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Synovial membrane thickness; polyethylene particulate load; fibrin exudate; membrane edema; mitotic index; giant‐cell, mononuclear histiocyte, lymphocyte, and polymorph number; and collagen degeneration were scored and statistical analyses performed.Results— Operated‐side synovial thickness was greatly increased relative to control. Fibrin deposition, intramembranous edema, and collagen degeneration were similar within each time interval among the various component groups. The majority of inflammatory scores among the groups were unchanged. In this 12‐month study, the presence of HA coatings appear not to have a marked impact on the development of synovial inflammation.Conclusions— HA‐coated components do appear to contribute somewhat to the inflammatory load within the periprosthetic environment, but this effect is not marked.Clinical Relevance— The major advantage of HA addition to arthroplasty components is enhanced osteoconductivity around metallic surfaces. The slight increase in particulate load seen in the presence of HA coatings may contribute to the development of aseptic loosening of arthroplasty components, but is unlikely to be the major causative factor.
Magnetic Resonance Measurements of the Deviation of the Angle of Force Generated by Contraction of the Quadriceps Muscle in Dogs with Congenital Patellar Luxation
Authors: Kaiser Stephan , Cornely Daniel , Golder Werner , Garner Michael , Waibl Helmut , Brunnberg Leo 
Published: August 2002

Objective— To measure the quadriceps angle (Q‐angle) in dogs with congenital patellar luxation using magnetic resonance (MR) methods.Study Design— Prospective clinical study.Animals— Thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs.Methods— Thirty‐eight dogs were examined and placed into the following groups based on the degree of patellar instability: normal, grade I, grade II, and grade III. MR images of 37 pelvic limbs without patellar instability, 33 pelvic limbs with patellar luxation, and 6 limbs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture were made. The Q‐angle was calculated using trigonometric methods based on MR images. Limbs with patellar luxation were compared with normal stifles and stifle with other disorders.Results— The average Q‐angle of the normal group was 10.5° (24.9° to −2.0°). The grade I group had an average Q‐angle of 12.2° (28.8° to 2°), the grade II group 24.3° (44.6° to 7.7°), and the grade III group 36.6° (51.4° to 15.6°). The average Q‐angle of limbs with an isolated CrCL rupture was 19.3° (34.7° to 3.9°).Conclusion— MR images can be used to make exact calculations of the Q‐angle.Clinical Relevance— MR images can be used to quantify the degree of patellar luxation.
Uncoupling Proteins‐‐How Do They Work and How Are They Regulated
Authors: Klingenberg Martin 
Published: August 2002

AbstractUncoupling proteins (UCPs) are regulated H + transporters and a subfamily of the mitochondrial carrier family. Whereas UCP1 in brown adipose tissue has a well‐defined role in thermogenesis, the roles of other UCPs are still tentative, such as in control of immune response, oxygen radical formation, and insulin secretion. The popular overexpression in yeast did not yield a functional form of UCP3 and possibly of other UCPs in mitochondria with the exception of UCP1. Whereas UCP1 can be isolated in native form, the isolation of other native UCPs from tissues or from overexpression in yeast failed. UCPs (UCP1, 2, and 3) expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies can be reconstituted to yield H + transport only in the presence of CoQ requiring fatty acids as native UCP1. The rates are similar to native UCP1 and are inhibited by low nucleotide concentrations. Native UCP1 is activated by endogenous CoQ. Differences between UCPs may reside in the regulation, such as by the ATP/ADP ratio in accordance with the specific cellular requirements.
The exposure‐time‐response relationship between occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer in two German case‐control studies*
Authors: Hauptmann Michael , Pohlabeln Hermann , Lubin Jay H. , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Ahrens Wolfgang , Brüske‐Hohlfeld Irene , Wichmann H.‐Erich 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have been carried out to evaluate the association between lung cancer and occupational asbestos exposure. However, the effects of timing of exposure have not been analyzed thoroughly.MethodsTwo German case‐control studies with data on occupational asbestos exposure histories have been pooled. Duration of work in potentially asbestos exposed jobs and two derived weighted exposure measures are analyzed together with time since last exposure. A spline function is used to model the effect of time since exposure.ResultsThe odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were 1.8 (1.2, 2.7) and 2.4 (1.7, 3.4) for subjects having worked for 3 to 7 years and 8 or more years, respectively, in a job with potential asbestos exposure compared to never‐exposed. Based on an evaluation of time since last exposure, the OR decreased significantly to about one‐half after more than 20 years since exposure ceased. Using a spline function, applied to workers' complete exposure histories, the effect of an increment of exposure is greatest 10–15 years after that exposure was received.ConclusionsIn contrast to previous indications, the risk of lung cancer increases soon after asbestos exposure, with its maximum effect from 10 to 15 years after the exposure was received. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:89–97, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing intervention effectiveness studies for occupational health and safety: The Minnesota Wood Dust Study*
Authors: Brosseau L.M. , Parker D.L. , Lazovich D. , Milton T. , Dugan S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundA planning model was used to guide the design of a randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of tailored interventions in lowering dust exposures in small woodworking shops.MethodsGuided by Green's PRECEDE–PROCEED model, we used a planning committee, focus groups and a pilot study to gain information on small woodworking shops, causes of and controls for high dust levels, and barriers and incentives surrounding availability and use of dust controls.ResultsThe planning committee identified key characteristics of small woodworking shop owners. Focus groups with owners and employees served to further elucidate why dust control was considered unimportant. The pilot study gave measures of dust exposures, tasks, and use of controls. Interventions focused on providing owners with technical and economic assistance to lower dust levels and an educational program for employees discussing health effects and effective methods of dust control.ConclusionsThe PRECEDE–PROCEED model proved a useful framework for designing an intervention in the occupational setting. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:54–61, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follow‐up study of respiratory health of newly‐hired female cotton textile workers
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Rong , Pan Lei‐Da , Zhang Hong‐Xi , Sun Bi‐Xiong , Dai He‐lian , Christiani David C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have investigated adverse effects of exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health, but very limited longitudinal data are available with regard to the early pulmonary response to cotton dust. Moreover, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to cotton dust have been difficult to separate from the confounding effects of smoking. This setting provided a unique opportunity to evaluate early respiratory effects in newly hired and non‐smoking female textile workers.MethodsTo identify early pulmonary responses to cotton dust exposure and associated gram‐negative bacterial endotoxin, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in 225 newly‐hired textile workers were assessed at work initiation, and at three and twelve months later.ResultsAll the workers were females and nonsmokers, with an average age of 18 years. Symptom incidence at three months was 3.6% for usual cough with phlegm, and 6.7% for usual dry cough. Lung function changes were detectable at one year: FEV1 declined by 70 ml and FVC by 124 ml over the year, and workers reporting respiratory symptoms at three months showed a significantly greater cross‐shift drop in FEV1 (−2.3%) than those without the symptoms (−0.7%).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the occurrence of respiratory symptoms represents the earliest response to cotton dust exposure, followed by lung function changes. Early respiratory symptoms may be a risk factor for subsequent loss of pulmonary function in cotton textile workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:111–118, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Approaches to sharing occupational safety and health information on a global scale†
Authors: Schulte Paul A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe global burden of occupational morbidity and mortality is staggering. Information sharing has been identified as a major way of reducing this burden. Past and current approaches to such sharing and application are worth examining in order to guide future efforts.MethodsRecent literature from international agencies and others was examined to identify examples of information sharing and to determine the status of such sharing and related issues. Literature was included from the areas of surveillance, priority setting, research, dissemination, and risk management.ResultsExamples of global information sharing were identified and lessons were drawn from the issues attendant to them.ConclusionsResults indicate that a broad range of efforts actively promote the global distribution of occupational safety and health information. To advance global approaches to the sharing of occupational and safety and health information, it is critical to improve the opportunity and capacity to access information. Important objectives in achieving this goal are developing coherent and transparent information policies, conducting research on dissemination, adaptation, and utilization of information, and overcoming barriers to information and training. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:210–216, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of self‐assessment of solvent exposure with measurement and professional assessment for female petrochemical workers in China*
Authors: Hu Ye A. , Smith Thomas J. , Xu Xiping , Wang Lihua , Watanabe Hiroshi , Christiani David C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective of this paper is to examine the validity of self‐assessment of solvent exposure by comparing it with professional assessment and actual measurements.MethodsSelf‐assessment of exposures to benzene, toluene, styrene, and xylene was obtained from 132 female workers. The exposures were also estimated by an occupational hygienist and by actual measurement. Self‐assessment, professional assessment, and measurement were then compared with each other.ResultsFair to good agreement was found between self‐assessment, professional assessment, and measurement for benzene, styrene, and xylene. The agreement between self‐assessment and measurement was poor for toluene, whereas the agreement between self‐assessment and professional assessment was good. The latter was caused by a biased professional assessment.ConclusionsWorkers' self‐assessment and professional assessment provided useful information for benzene, styrene, and xylene exposure, but not for toluene exposure. False agreement can be obtained when professional assessment was used as reference in validity study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:483–489, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primed in situ labeling (PRINS) for evaluation of gene deletions in cancer
Authors: Tharapel Sugandhi A. , Kadandale Jayarama S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractRearrangements involving the 13q14 and 17p13 chromosomal regions are often observed in leukemias and lymphomas. These rearrangements are not always identifiable cytogenetically. In more than 50% of cases, deletions occur at the submicroscopic level and the karyotypes appear normal. Molecular cytogenetic techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have accordingly contributed to the identification of a variety of subtle rearrangements such as those involving submicroscopic deletions. However, FISH is expensive, time consuming, technically burdensome, and requires cloned DNA probes. A newer technique, primed in situ labeling (PRINS), has been tested as a possible alternative to FISH. To assess the utility and efficiency of the PRINS method in the detection of RB1 and p53 deletions, we evaluated 10 patients with hematological disorders and known rearrangements, i.e., deletions involving 13q14 and 17p13 regions. The data in these cases were validated against data obtained with standard FISH probes. Our results indicate that PRINS could be used with relative ease in cytogenetics laboratories and could serve as an alternative to conventional FISH for defining deletions involving unique sequences. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient with the mesomelic dysplasia, Nievergelt syndrome, and cerebellovermian agenesis and cataracts
Authors: Tüysüz Beyhan , Zeybek Cenap , Zorer Gazi , Sipahi Özlem , Üngür Savas 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe describe a 33‐day‐old boy who had short and thick tibiae, symmetrical oligosyndactyly of the hands, and distinctive face. The patient was considered as a case of Nievergelt syndrome, a rare form of mesomelic dysplasia. Besides the characteristic mesomelic limb anomalies of Nievergelt syndrome, this patient exhibited two additional features: agenesis of the cerebellar vermis and cataracts, both of which have not been previously reported. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.