bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival after conservative (palliative) management of pleural malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Merritt Neil , Blewett Christopher J. , Miller John D. , Bennett W. Frederick , Young J. Edward M. , Urschel John D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMalignant mesothelioma is a lethal disease. Aggressive multimodality treatment protocols are reportedly associated with improved survival, but the apparent survival benefits may simply reflect patient selection and the variable natural history of this malignancy. Before embarking on our own protocol of experimental treatment for mesothelioma, we sought to identify important prognostic factors and document the survival of patients treated conservatively (with palliative intent only) in our region.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma seen at our center between 1987 and 1999. Since curative intent treatment had not been given, we assumed that measured survival would largely reflect the natural history of the malignancy.ResultsThere were 101 patients (80 males and 21 females). Mean age was 65 ± 9.2 years. Symptoms of disease were present for a median time of 5 months before the diagnosis was established. The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea (46 patients), chest pain (30 patients), and weight loss (22 patients). Sixty‐eight patients (68%) had a history of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma subtypes included epithelial (43 patients), sarcomatous (26 patients), mixed (19 patients), desmoplastic (4 patients), and unspecified (9 patients). All 101 patients were treated with palliative intent. Talc pleurodesis was performed in 70 patients. At the time of analysis, 90 patients had died and 11 remained alive. Median survival was 213 (95% CI 137–289) days. Survival for the three major histological subtypes was significantly different (log rank, P = 0.0016). Histological subtype (epithelial favorable) was the only significant independent prognostic factor (Cox proportional hazard regression, P = 0.0009).ConclusionsPatients with epithelial mesothelioma survive longer than those with other histological subtypes. Conservatively managed patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma have a median survival of approximately 7 months. These data from conservatively treated patients can serve as baseline information for future studies of experimental treatments. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:171–174. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The gas‐phase oxidation ofn‐hexadecane
Authors: Fournet R. , Battin‐Leclerc F. , Glaude P. A. , Judenherc B. , Warth V. , Côme G. M. , Scacchi G. , Ristori A. , Pengloan G. , Dagaut P. , Cathonnet M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSincen‐hexadecane or cetane is a reference fuel for the estimation of cetane numbers in diesel engines, a detailed chemical model of its gas‐phase oxidation and combustion will help to enhance diesel performance and reduce the emission of pollutants at their outlet. However, until recently the gas‐phase reactions ofn‐hexadecane had not been experimentally studied, prohibiting a validation of oxidation models which could be written.This paper presents a modeling study of the oxidation ofn‐hexadecane based on experiments performed in a jet‐stirred reactor, at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1250 K, 1‐atm pressure, a constant mean residence time of 0.07 s, and high degree of nitrogen dilution (0.03 mol% of fuel) for equivalence ratios equal to 0.5, 1, and 1.5. A detailed kinetic mechanism was automatically generated by using the computer package (EXGAS) developed in Nancy. The long linear chain of this alkane necessitates the use of a detailed secondary mechanism for the consumption of the alkenes formed as a result of primary parent fuel decomposition. This high‐temperature mechanism includes 1787 reactions and 265 species, featuring satisfactory agreement for both the consumption of reactants and the formation of products. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 574–586, 2001
Nevus of Ota: A new classification based on the response to laser treatment
Authors: Chan Henry H. , Lam Lai‐kun , Wong David S.Y. , Leung Ronald S.C. , Ying Shun‐yuen , Lai Cham‐fai , Ho Wai‐sun , Chua John K.H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveFor 60 years, Tanino's classification has been used to classify the extent of nevus of Ota. However, such classification not only fails to address variants such as phacomatosis pigmentovascularis but also cannot be used to predict the therapeutic outcome. Our objective is to retrospectively study our series of laser‐treated patients with the aim of re‐classifying nevus of Ota, so that such important issues can be taken into account.Study Design/Materials and MethodsOne hundred nineteen patients that had received Q‐switched laser treatment were recruited into the study. They were recalled for interview and examination for evidence of coexisting birthmarks and extracutaneous involvement. Two observers assessed the pre‐ and posttreatment clinical photographs for evidence of periorbital under‐response (panda's sign), defined as the degree of periorbital laser clearing significantly less than clearing in the other area.ResultsA total of 47.8% of the patients with periorbital pigmentation were considered by the observers to have significant periorbital under‐response (panda's sign). Additionally, 10.1% had other birthmarks, and extracutaneous involvement was seen in 31.4% of the patients.ConclusionPeriorbital under‐response is commonly seen in patients with periorbital pigmentation. Taking this and other factors into consideration, we have proposed a new classification for nevus of Ota that allows for the prediction of the clinical outcome of laser treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:267–272, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Hot” KTP‐laser treatment of facial angiofibromata*
Authors: Tope Whitney D. , Kageyama Nobuyoshi 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveTreatment of facial angiofibromata (AF) relied largely upon cutaneous resurfacing. While effective, resurfacing affects large areas with attendant risks of dyspigmentation, infection, and scarring. We investigated the pulsed KTP (532 nm) laser energy for its high absorption by melanin and hemoglobin as a photothermal destructive method for treating AF.Study Design/Materials and MethodsIn five patients (Fitzpatrick phototypes II–;VI), AF were treated with the KTP laser (10 ms, 20 J/cm2, 2 mm beam) using stacked pulses (2–3.3 Hz) or passes. No cooling device was employed. Each pulse evoked puffs of steam and caused progressive flattening of AF. Normal intervening skin was strictly avoided. Patients underwent one to five sessions in which as many as 100 lesions were treated.ResultsIndividual lesions responded with complete flattening in one or two treatments. While this effect has persisted for 18–;24 months, slow recrudescence is expected. Transient hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation were localized to treated skin. No scarring, infection, or other adverse events were observed. Patient satisfaction with this method was high due to rapid healing time ( < 10 days), minimal pain, ease of wound care, and efficacy.Conclusions“Hot” KTP laser is an effective and safe method of treatment for facial AF. Limiting treatment only to lesional skin allowed rapid healing and very limited adverse effects despite the increased non‐specific thermal damage caused by high fluence, long pulse duration, and an absence of superficial tissue cooling. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:78–81, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective study looking at the long‐term complications of Q‐switched Ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota
Authors: Kono Taro , Nozaki Motohiro , Chan Henry H. , Mikashima Yoshinori 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackground and Objective:Despite the extensive use of QS Ruby, there is no report looking at its long‐term complication in the treatment of nevus of Ota. To look at the long‐term complications of nevus of Ota patients treated with QS Ruby laser.Study Design/Materials and Methods:A teaching hospital in Japan where over 400 patients with nevus of Ota had been treated since 1984. Hundred and one nevus of Ota patients that had been treated with QS Ruby laser, but had not received treatment for 12 months prior to the study, were called back for further assessment. Patients were called back to the hospital where they were interviewed and examined by two independent clinicians.Results:Hypopigmentation was the most common complication, affecting 16.8% of the patients and 5.9% had hyperpigmentation. One patient that had complete clearance post‐laser surgery developed recurrence.Conclusion:QS Ruby laser is effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Recurrence is rare, but hypopigmentation is common and can be permanent. Further prospective study comparing its use with other Q‐switched lasers is necessary. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:156–159, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consumer resistance in a world of advertising clutter: The case of Adbusters
Authors: Rumbo Joseph D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe pervasive influence of advertising and consumer culture is examined in relation to a postmodern condition marked by increased speed, fragmentation, and the decentering of the subject. This condition often prompts the consumer to develop ad‐avoidance strategies that protect his/her psychic space by filtering out excess advertising clutter (which also colonizes the public and discursive space of consumer culture). The struggle for these cultural spaces resembles a war of position between the ideology of consumerism and its opponents, who attempt to cultivate alternative worldviews toward consumerism. Although some perspectives see consumption as a means for self‐expression and the fashioning of multiple identities, this position valorizes consumption practices irrespective of their environmental and social impact. An evaluation of the antiadvertising magazine Adbusters illustrates the obstacles inherent in launching challenges to consumerism, and the difficulty of resisting consumerism given advertising's control over cultural spaces. Marketers have converted resistance efforts from some of consumption's most ardent critics into market segments by targeting certain goods and services toward them. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
APC‐dependent regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in human colon tumor cells
Authors: Fultz Kimberly E. , Gerner Eugene W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMutation/deletion of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene in germline cells of rodents and humans is associated with increased intestinal activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first enzyme in polyamine synthesis, and intestinal neoplasia. To study the role of APC in signaling ODC expression, we used the human colon tumor cell line HT29 (wtAPC−/−), which has been stably transfected with a zinc‐inducible wild‐type APC gene. The addition of ZnCl2 to HT29‐APC cells increased wild‐type APC protein and Mad1 RNA and protein and decreased levels of c‐myc and ODC RNA and protein, relative to these parameters in HT29 cells transfected with the same plasmid containing the β‐galactosidase gene in place of APC. Upon induction of APC expression, ODC promoter activity and RNA levels were suppressed. When the e‐box domain in the 5′ flanking region of the ODC gene was mutated, ODC promoter activity was unaffected by wild‐type APC expression. Antisense, but not missense, c‐myc oligonucleotides decreased ODC activity in HT29 cells expressing mutant APC. These results demonstrated that wild‐type APC suppressed c‐myc and activated Mad1 expression in HT29 colon‐derived cells. These proteins, in turn, regulated the transcription of target genes, including ODC. The data presented indicate that ODC is a modifier of APC‐dependent signaling in intestinal cells and tissues. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the CDKN2A and ARF genes in UV‐induced melanocytic hyperplasias and melanomas of an opossum (Monodelphis domestica)
Authors: Chan Jeannie , Robinson Edward S. , Atencio Julia , Wang Zhiqiang , Kazianis Steven , Coletta Luis Della , Nairn Rodney S. , McCarrey John R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe examined the involvement of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) locus in the pathogenesis of ultraviolet (UV) radiation–induced melanomas in an opossum (Monodelphis domestica) melanoma model in which suckling young were exposed to UVB to produce melanocytic lesions. Monodelphis CDKN2A and alternated reading frame (ARF) cDNAs were cloned and sequenced, and the expression patterns of these genes were determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in normal tissues, 39 primary melanocytic skin lesions, and two tumor‐derived cell lines, one nonmetastatic and one metastatic. Primary melanocytic lesions, including hyperplasias, benign melanomas, melanomas metastatic to lymph nodes, and melanomas metastatic to nodes and additional visceral organs, were categorized accordingly as types I–IV. Levels of CDKN2A transcripts were most abundant in type III tumor samples and the metastatic cell line but absent in the nonmetastatic cell line. ARF transcripts were expressed in all tumors and cell lines. A UV‐signature mutation was detected with the wild‐type allele at the CDKN2A locus in type II and III primary tumor samples and in the nonmetastatic cell line. Interestingly, in the metastatic cell line, only the mutant allele was present and expressed. These data suggest dynamic changes in the expression and/or structure of the CDKN2A and ARF genes represent one molecular defect associated with the etiology of melanoma formation and progression in the Monodelphis model system. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foreign direct investment and global sourcing choices of firms in the US
Authors: Park Hong Y 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper investigates factors affecting the global sourcing choices of firms in the US: (1) US investment abroad; (2) foreign direct investment in the US; (3) wage–productivity ratio; and (4) transaction cost. I found that there is a statistically significant association between the country of sourcing choices and foreign direct investment. Both the wage–productivity ratios and transaction costs are not statistically significant at the conventional significance level, but their regression coefficients show proper signs. The paper also examines the patterns of foreign direct investment among countries and compares transaction costs by income group. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation and quality of life in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Valldeoriola Francesc , Tolosa Eduardo , Pilleri Manuela , Molinuevo José Luis , Rumià Jordi , Ferrer Enric 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe examined the impact of the subthalamic nuclei (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the health‐related quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Seventeen consecutive patients with refractory motor fluctuations and dyskinesia were included in the study (mean age, 60.9 ± 7.7 years [range, 43–74 years]; disease duration, 16.4 ± 8.5 years [range, 7–38 years]; mean off‐medication Hoehn and Yahr stage, 4.23 ± 0.66 [range, 2.5–5]). Each patient's assessment was carried out using common rating scales, following the Core Assessment Program for Intracerebral Transplantation (CAPIT) protocol. Dyskinesia and emotional state were evaluated through the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). QoL was assessed by means of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire Spanish version (PDQ‐39). Significant benefit was obtained in the motor manifestations and complications of disease, as well as in the functional state and mood (P < 0.001). Some QoL dimensions (mobility and activities of daily living) and the PDQ‐39 Summary Index (PDQ‐39SI) showed a significant improvement (P < 0.001). Benefit was modest (P < 0.05) for three other domains (emotional well‐being, stigma, bodily discomfort) and nil for the rest. There was no correlation between the change obtained in the QoL (PDQ‐39SI) and in the other variables. As measured by the PDQ‐39, STN‐DBS significantly improves important aspects of QoL in patients with advanced PD. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Impairment of eyeblink classical conditioning in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Sommer Martin , Grafman Jordan , Litvan Irene , Hallett Mark 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn a previous study we showed that learning in eyeblink classical conditioning (EBCC) is normal in Parkinson's disease (PD) and that the serial reaction time task (SRTT) is only marginally impaired. Since pathological lesions are more widespread in the atypical parkinsonian disorder of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) than in PD, we hypothesized that PSP patients may show more profound deficits in the EBCC and SRTT learning tasks. We therefore investigated EBCC with a delay and two trace paradigms, an SRTT and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) in eight patients with PSP and an age‐matched control group. In all EBCC paradigms, we found a significant difference between groups with no significant learning in PSP patients. In the SRTT, implicit learning may have been impaired, but verbal and manual sequence recall were only marginally impaired. Verbal memory was significantly worse in PSP patients than in the control group. Our study shows a dissociated pattern of learning abilities in PSP, where the EBCC as a measure of implicit learning is impaired, the explicit sequence detection in the SRTT is relatively preserved, and the verbal memory impaired. We hypothesize that the PSP patients' deficits in EBCC learning may be due to lesions of deep cerebellar nuclei. There may be a clinical role for EBCC in distinguishing PD and PSP patients. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Antiparkinsonian activity and dyskinesia risk of ropinirole and L‐DOPA combination therapy in drug naive MPTP‐lesioned common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Maratos Eleni C. , Jackson Michael J. , Pearce Ronald K. B. , Jenner Peter 
Published: August 2002

AbstractDe novo administration of long‐acting dopamine agonists, such as ropinirole, to patients with Parkinson's disease or to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated subhuman primates produces a lower incidence of dyskinesia than occurs with L‐DOPA. This study compares the intensity of dyskinesia produced by combinations of L‐DOPA and ropinirole and by these drugs alone, using the MPTP‐treated common marmoset model of Parkinson's disease. The objective is to determine the optimum therapeutic strategy for the long‐term control of Parkinson's disease with a minimal risk of dyskinesia.MPTP‐treated marmosets received either L‐DOPA alone, ropinirole alone, or one of two combinations of these drugs (either L‐DOPA dominant or ropinirole dominant) daily for 28 days in doses titrated to produce a similar improvement in disability and increase in locomotion. In the group receiving L‐DOPA alone, there was a trend for peak dose locomotor activity to increase and the duration of drug effect to decline over the period of the study. L‐DOPA alone induced marked dyskinesia over the period of treatment, in contrast to ropinirole which produced a low intensity of involuntary movements. The L‐DOPA dominant combination initially produced little dyskinesia, but this became increasingly intense as the study progressed. In contrast, the ropinirole dominant combination produced no greater intensity of dyskinesia than was produced by ropinirole alone.These data suggest that in early Parkinson's disease, the use of ropinirole alone or in combination with a low‐dose L‐DOPA might delay the induction of dyskinesias while improving motor performance. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome among men aged 18 to 64 years: An association with somatic disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Ulfberg Jan , Nyström Birgitta , Carter Ned , Edling Christer 
Published: August 2002

AbstractStandardized diagnostic criteria determined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group were used to investigate the current prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Possible associations between RLS and neuropsychiatric and somatic complaints were also investigated. A random sample of 4,000 men living in central Sweden were sent a questionnaire that included questions about sleep habits, symptoms of sleepiness, and somatic and neuropsychiatric complaints. Four symptom questions accepted as minimal diagnostic criteria for RLS were also included. Odds (OR) ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for different variables were calculated by means of multivariate logistic regression; 5.8% of the men suffered from RLS. The prevalence of RLS increased with age. Sleep‐related complaints were more frequent among the RLS sufferers. Complaints of headache at awakening and daytime headache were reported three to five times more frequently among RLS sufferers and there was a tendency toward reported social isolation related to RLS. Subjects with RLS more frequently reported depressed mood (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.8–3.8), and complained more often of reduced libido (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4–3.3). RLS sufferers more frequently reported hypertension (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9–2.4) and heart problems (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.3). Results show that restless legs syndrome is common among men. It is hypothesized that RLS may be associated with several somatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Chronic high‐frequency globus pallidus internus stimulation in different types of dystonia: A clinical, video, and MRI report of six patients presenting with segmental, cervical, and generalized dystonia
Authors: Bereznai Benjamin , Steude Ulrich , Seelos Klaus , Bötzel Kai 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (Gpi) in six patients with generalized, focal, and segmental dystonia are presented. Pre‐ and postoperative assessments are given for one patient with generalized inherited dystonia and for five patients with idiopathic segmental or cervical dystonia. Clinical symptoms were evaluated before and 3–12 months after surgery using the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden (BFM) dystonia rating scale for primary torsion dystonia and the Tsui scale for cervical dystonia. The Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was completed by each patient to document preoperative and postoperative health status. Also, neurological status was documented by video before and during chronic stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed to show the anatomical localization of the electrode leads. Five patients showed a progressive improvement within 7 days. One patient with cervical dystonia and Meige's syndrome showed no improvement for 3 months, but beneficial effects were observed after 12 months. On average, the BFM movement scale scores decreased by 72.5% and Tsui scale scores by 63%. SF‐36 showed an improvement in health status by an average of 36% according to eight different health categories. We conclude that chronic high‐frequency Gpi stimulation in different types of dystonia is a very effective and safe treatment. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.