bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of postoperative facial nerve outcomes between translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches in matched‐pair patients
Authors: Ho Steven Y. , Hudgens Stacie , Wiet Richard J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to assess whether the translabyrinthine approach for acoustic tumor removal offers better postoperative facial nerve function compared with the retrosigmoid approach. Study Design: Retrospective case review from a tertiary otology referral center. Methods: Patients who had undergone either retrosigmoid or translabyrinthine approach for removal of acoustic neuroma from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1999, were included in the study. Two groups of patients were created, one containing retrosigmoid cases and the other, translabyrinthine. Attempts were made to match each retrosigmoid case to a translabyrinthine case with regard to tumor size, patient age, and date of operation. This matching served to eliminate these variables from influencing postoperative facial nerve outcomes. From an initial pool of 450 patients, 35 pairs of patients were matched for the study. Facial nerve functions were reported at immediate, 3‐month, and 1‐year postoperative periods. Results: Patient demographics demonstrated that matched patients had almost identical tumor size, patient age, and date of operation. Comparisons of postoperative facial nerve functions between the matched groups revealed that retrosigmoid approach carried 2.86 times higher risk of facial nerve dysfunction during the immediate postoperative period. However, by 1 year, the facial nerve outcomes were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Compared with the translabyrinthine approach, retrosigmoid approach carries a higher risk of postoperative facial nerve dysfunction during the immediate postoperative period. However, long‐term facial nerve outcomes are identical between the two approaches.
Evidence for surviving outer hair cell function in congenitally deaf ears
Authors: Rea Peter A. , Gibson William P. R. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: The hypotheses of the study were that congenital hearing impairment in infants can result from the isolated loss of inner hair cells of the cochlea and that this is shown by the presence of abnormal positive summating potentials on round window electrocochleography. The objectives were to establish the proportion of infants with hearing loss affected, the nature of the cochlear lesion, and its etiology. And to highlight the important implications for otoacoustic emissions testing and universal neonatal screening. Study Design: A prospectively conducted consecutive cohort study with supplemental review of notes was performed. Methods: Four hundred sixty‐four children underwent round window electrocochleography and auditory brainstem response testing under general anesthesia to assess suspected hearing loss. The presence of abnormal positive potentials was recorded. Otoacoustic emissions data were collected separately and retrospectively. Results: Three hundred forty‐two children had significant bilateral congenital hearing loss. All results were from hearing‐impaired children. Abnormal positive potentials were recorded in 73 of 342 children (21%). Eighty‐three percent of children with otoacoustic emissions also had abnormal positive potentials, but only 14% of children without otoacoustic emissions had abnormal positive potentials (P < .001). In the neonatal intensive care unit setting, 43% of infants were found to have abnormal positive potentials, whereas only 10% had abnormal positive potentials if not in the neonatal intensive care unit setting (P < .001). Abnormal positive potentials were present in 63% of infants born before 30 weeks gestation and in 14% of infants born at term (P < .001). Abnormal positive potentials were identified in 57% of infants with documented hypoxia and 11% of children with no episodes (P < .001). Otoacoustic emissions were present in 48% of infants from the neonatal intensive care unit, despite their hearing loss. Conclusion: Both otoacoustic emissions and abnormal positive potentials may originate from outer hair cell activity following inner hair cell loss. This may occur in more than 40% of hearing‐impaired children in the neonatal intensive care unit setting. Chronic hypoxia is the most likely cause. Otoacoustic emissions testing may not be a suitable screening tool for such infants.
Sequence dependence of β‐hairpin structure: Comparison of a salt bridge and an aromatic interaction
Authors: Kiehna Sarah E. , Waters Marcey L. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA comparison of the contributions and position dependence of cross‐strand electrostatic and aromatic side‐chain interactions to β‐sheet stability has been performed by using nuclear magnetic resonance in a well‐folded β‐hairpin peptide of the general sequence XRTVXVdPGOXITQX. Phe–Phe and Glu–Lys pairs were varied at the internal and terminal non–hydrogen‐bonded position, and the resulting stability was measured by the effects on α‐hydrogen and aromatic hydrogen chemical shifts. It was determined that the introduction of a Phe–Phe pair resulted in a more folded peptide, regardless of position, and a more tightly folded core. Substitution of the Glu–Lys pair at the internal position results in a less folded peptide and increased fraying at the terminal residues. Upfield shifting of the aromatic hydrogens provided evidence for an edge‐face aromatic interaction, regardless of position of the Phe–Phe pair. In peptides with two Phe–Phe pairs, substitution with Glu–Lys at either position resulted in a weakening of the aromatic interaction and a subsequent decrease in peptide stability. Thermal denaturation of the peptides containing Phe–Phe indicates that the aromatic interaction is enthalpically favored, whereas the folding of hairpins with cross‐strand Glu–Lys pairs was less enthalpically favorable but entropically more favorable.
THE EFFECT OF HANDLING TIME ON INTERFERENCE AMONG HOUSE SPARROWS FORAGING AT DIFFERENT SEED DENSITIES
Authors: Johnson Cheryl , Giraldeau Luc-Alain , Grant James W.A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Interference models of the ideal free distribution (IFD) assume competition among foraging animals causes intake rates to decline with increasing competitor density and that the strength of the decline influences forager distributions among food patches. However, the resulting distributions of animals may depend on which components of foraging success contribute to interference. We examined the effect of group size (1-13 birds) on the prey encounter rates, handling times, and foraging rates of house sparrows, Passer domesticus, feeding at three seed densities in a suburban backyard. House sparrows did not experience interference during search. Interference arose primarily from foraging time lost handling seeds. Foraging rates decreased with increasing seed density as a consequence of increased handling times. Also, birds experiencing significant increases in handling time with group size suffered most from interference. Our results suggest that animals adjust handling time to avoid costly aggressive interactions, indicating that handling time may be an important component of interference in some foraging systems. Future studies estimating interference should try to identify which components of foraging contribute to interference, paying particular attention to handling times for species that monitor and avoid competitors.
Improvements in investment casting with stereolithography patterns
Authors: Hague R , Dickens P M 
Published: November 2003

The use of investment casting to gain functional metal parts from stereolithography (SL) models is well documented. However, despite the thousands of metal castings produced, the original stereolithography build structures that were designed for investment casting have only been partly successful in combating the effects of the thermal expansion SL resins. Investment casting foundries still have to alter their existing techniques and, significantly, are dewaxing shells containing SL models in the flash furnace rather than the steam autoclave. This paper describes how a greater understanding has been established of why SL investment casting patterns are causing the shells to crack. Theoretical and practical stress analysis, utilizing finite element analysis and strain gauge techniques, has given a much clearer picture of the failure modes of the ceramic shells and SL models. This has led to a set of criteria for the design of build structures that allows the successful autoclaving and subsequent casting of stereolithography models. Details of the background research, stress analysis and design criteria are presented along with a new design of internal build structure that allows the successful autoclaving and casting of stereolithography models.
Test of Some Aspects of Modelling the Sorption of Hydrophobic Compounds in Soils
Authors: Buszewski Bogusław , Zbytniewski Radosław 
Published: November 2003

A study was carried out on the sorption of the herbicide linuron in podzolic soil (one of the typical soils of Poland), the sorption isotherms being obtained using batch equilibrium studies. Modelling sorption phenomena involving the interactions of chemicals and particularly herbicides is very difficult because of the strong heterogeneity of the soil matrix. The present work presents the results of applying the most common models, i.e. Freundlich and Linear, as well as the newer concept of the Dual Reactive Domain model. The data obtained were validated using various statistical and chemometric methods. The results suggest that applying the non-linear least-squares method to obtain isotherm parameters gave a much better description of the sorption phenomena than often obtained using linear transformations of the adsorption equations. The study also showed that appropriate weighting schemes should be included in any model calculations. To test the goodness-of-fit of the model to the experimental data both the correlation coefficient and the Residual Root Mean Square Error were obtained. The models were also compared using the Extra Sum of Squares Principle statistical test.
Modified Organosilica Adsorbents with Bactericidal Properties
Authors: Denisova T.I. , Shvetz D.I. 
Published: November 2003

The method of mathematical planning of experiments has been used to determine the optimal conditions for the formation of a two-component organosilica with various compositions modified by metal ions (CuII, ZnII) sorbed from their water–ammonia solutions. Through this method, modified forms of silico-polymethylsiloxanes (SG-PMS) containing 1–30 mg/g CuII ion [SG-PMS(Cu)] and 3–40 mg/g ZnII ion [SG-PMS(Zn)] were synthesized and their adsorption/structural characteristics established. The sorptive capacity of the organosilica sorbents and their modified forms towards pathogenic microflora ( E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa), which depend on the concentration of the modified component, the pH of the medium and the sorptional composition, has been evaluated. It was found that the sorption levels of microorganisms increased in the following sorbent-modified range: 30:70 wt% SG-PMS(Al) < 50:50 wt% SG-PMS(Zn) < 50:50 wt% SG-PMS(Cu) and attained values in the range of 81–98% for metal-containing forms depending on the pH of the medium and the nature of the microorganisms. Copper-containing forms of organosilica exhibited an inhibiting effect towards pathogenic microorganisms even at CuII ion-containing contents of only 1 mg/g.
Advances in Orthodontics
Authors: Cunningham Susan J , Jones Steven P , Hodges Samantha J , Horrocks Elisabeth N , Hunt Nigel P , Moseley Howard C , Noar Joseph H 
Published: November 2003

There has been tremendous progress in orthodontics since Edward Angle first popularised the fixed orthodontic appliance at the turn of the century. Recent years have seen an increased demand for orthodontic treatment from both adolescents and adults and, in addition, patient and clinician expectations of treatment outcomes continue to rise. A desire for more aesthetic materials has resulted in both smaller and ‘tooth-coloured’ appliances. Improvements in technology, often outside orthodontics, have also led to the development of new materials. The best example of this was the development of nickel titanium alloy by the NASA space programme, which was subsequently adapted for use in nickel titanium archwires. Other technological advances adopted for use in orthodontics include magnets, computerised imaging systems and distraction osteogenesis. This review paper looks at some of the innovations in the fields of materials as well as in techniques and appliance systems.
An Audit on the Placement and Replacement of Restorations in a General Dental Practice
Authors: Frost Peter M 
Published: November 2003

Objectives To determine the reasons for placing and replacing restorations in a general dental practice amongst a group of patients. Methods This study used the method devised by Mjör and later modified by Burke and others. Instruction and data collection sheets were sent out to general dental practitioners (GDPs) for participation in a multicentre study. The GDPs were asked to record consecutively all restorations placed over a period of one month. The author is presenting his data collected over a period of six months using the same methodology. The author's results will be compared with a VDP study and the multicentre study. Results 779 restorations were placed during the six months of the study. Three hundred and sixty-four (47%) were initial placements and 415 (53%) replacements. Primary fractured teeth totalled (16%) of the restorations. Other reasons for restoration placement were marginal fracture/degradation (31%), non-carious defects (13%) and both primary and secondary caries (9%). The proportion of glass-ionomer restorations increased with the age of the patient compared with amalgam and composites (chi-square: p<0.001), averaging 64% in age groups between 35 and 75 years, increasing to 88% in those patients over 75 years. Conclusions The principal reasons for placement and replacement of restorations in this study were repairs to tooth fractures. The proportion of amalgams and composites decreased with age while the proportion of glass ionomers increased.
Mode of Infiltrative Growth of Colorectal Liver Metastases Is a Useful Predictor of Recurrence after Hepatic Resection
Authors: Yamaguchi Junzo , Komuta Kou , Matsuzaki Sumihiro , Okudaira Sadayuki , Fujioka Hikaru , Kanematsu Takashi 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMany studies have been conducted to determine prognosis on the basis of the characteristics of metastatic liver tumor from colorectal cancer. The present study was carried out to determine whether the pathological mode of infiltrative growth (INF) of a metastatic liver nodule is useful in predicting recurrence in the remnant liver after hepatic resection. A total of 42 curative hepatic resections were performed for 37 patients with isolated liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Multivariate analysis (n = 42) showed that number, INF type, and size of liver metastases were statistically significant as independent risk factors. Of these, 28 resected liver metastases (smaller than 6 cm in size or containing fewer than 4 nodules) were classified pathologically into INF alpha or beta types (INF a b; n = 14) and gamma type (INFg; n = 14). Disease‐free survival at 5 years was 64% for patients with INF a b type, and 14% for those with the INF g type of liver metastases. Of these, recurrent disease of the liver after hepatic resection was found in 2 (14%) and 11 (79%) patients with INF a b and INF g types, respectively. From these observations, we concluded that pathological infiltrative growth of liver metastases is an informative predictor of disease‐free survival and especially of recurrence in the remnant liver.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy followed by Salvage Surgery: Effect on Survival of Patients with Primary Noncurative Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yano Masahiko , Shiozaki Hitoshi , Inoue Masatoshi , Tamura Shigeyuki , Doki Yuichiro , Yasuda Takushi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Tsujinaka Toshimasa , Monden Morito 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe prognosis for gastric cancer patients who undergo noncurative resection is extremely poor. This study evaluated the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary noncurative gastric cancer. Thirty‐four patients with biopsy‐proven noncurative gastric cancer were treated with either of two neoadjuvant chemotherapies: FEMTXP (5‐fluorouracil, epirubicin, methotrexate, cisplatin) or THP‐FLPM (pirarubicin, 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, cisplatin, mitomycin C). Noncurability was determined by conventional staging procedures, staging laparoscopy, and exploratory laparotomy. After chemotherapy the resectability of the tumors was reassessed. Patients who were judged to be candidates for curative resection underwent salvage surgery. Of the final 33 patients, 8 (24.2%) showed a major response [0 complete response (CR), 8 partial response (PR)]. In three patients the second laparoscopy revealed disappearance of the peritoneal metastasis. Of the 33 patients, 14 (42.4%) underwent salvage surgery, including 8 curative resections (2 curability A, 6 curability B). Pathologic examinations revealed a grade 2 response in eight patients but no grade 3 response. Univariate analysis showed the following to be significant prognostic factors: histology type (differentiated type vs. undifferentiated type; p = 0.035), T4 as a noncurative factor (T4 vs. T3 or less; p = 0.025), clinical response (PR + no change vs. progressive disease; p = 0.002), and salvage surgery (resected vs. unresected; p = 0.001). Among these factors, salvage surgery was found to be the only independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, with a relative risk of 0.253 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.066 to 0.974. The treatment was well tolerated. Major toxicities of WHO grade 3 or more were leukopenia in 20 (60.6%), gastrointestinal toxicities in 5 (15.2%), renal toxicities in 2 (6.1%), and alopecia in 1 (3.0%). In conclusion, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is effective for primary noncurative gastric cancer when salvage surgery can be performed. A chemotherapy regimen with a higher complete response rate would improve the prognosis of this dismal disease even more.
Hepatic Resection Combined with Portal Vein or Hepatic Artery Reconstruction for Advanced Carcinoma of the Hilar Bile Duct and Gallbladder
Authors: Shimada Hiroshi , Endo Itaru , Sugita Mitsutaka , Masunari Hideki , Fujii Yoshiro , Tanaka Kuniya , Misuta Koichi , Sekido Hitoshi , Togo Shinji 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHepatectomy with vascular reconstruction for biliary malignancy remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the indications for surgery. Patients with advanced hilar bile duct cancer (HBDC) (n = 26) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) involving the hepatoduodenal ligament (n = 13) who underwent hepatectomy were enrolled. They were divided into two groups on the basis of whether vascular reconstruction was performed (HBDC, 10 yes vs. 16 no; GBC, 5 yes vs. 8 no). Portal vein (PV) reconstruction was performed on the right branch in seven patients and on the left branch in two; hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction was done on the right branch in 11 patients and on the left branch in 1. Five patients with HBDC and one with GBC underwent both PV and HA reconstruction. Patency rates were 88.0% and 83.3% for PV and HA reconstructions, respectively. Vascular reconstruction‐related morbidity occurred in one patient with fatal liver failure owing to a portal thrombus and in two patients with multiple liver abscesses caused by arterial obstruction. Microsurgery eliminated reconstruction‐related morbidity. Mortality in vascular reconstruction cases was 13.3% (2/15), and in those without reconstruction it was 8.3% (2/24). Curability rates (R0 and R1+R2) were 50.0% and 56.0% for HBDC and 40.0% and 62.5% for GBC, respectively. The 3‐year survivals of HBDC patients were, respectively, 33% and 42%, and the 5‐year survivals were 18% and 25%, whereas for GBC the 1‐year survivals were 20% and 60% and the 2‐year survivals 0% and 25%. Two patients with vascular involvement who underwent PV with HA reconstruction survived more than 3 years. Hepatectomy with vascular reconstruction for selected HBDC patients offers low surgical risk and increased survival by curable resection, but it is not recommended for advanced GBC.
Quality of Life Improvement after Videothoracoscopic Splanchnicectomy in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: Case Control Study
Authors: Makarewicz Wojciech , Stefaniak Tomasz , Kossakowska Marlena , Basiński Andrzej , Suchorzewski Marek , Stanek Aleksander , Gruca Zbigniew B. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe authors report on the effectiveness of videothoracoscopic splanchnicectomy (VSPL) as a method of pain treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). A minimally invasive technique, VSPL is used in CP as an alternative method of pain treatment. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate by a prospective, semirandomized case‐control study the influence of VSPL on the quality of life and the level of pain suffered by patients with CP. The study groups consisted of 32 patients who underwent VSPL between March 2000 and January 2001 and a control group of 32 CP patients who received conservative treatment. The effect of the therapy on subjective pain measures and multiparametric quality of life was measured before VSPL and throughout the first year thereafter. In the follow‐up period there was a significant decrease in intensity of pain and an improvement in the quality of life of the patients—most significantly concerning emotional well‐being and functioning in everyday life. We conclude that the VSPL is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure and recommend that it be used in such cases.
Prevalence of Ischemia in Diabetic Foot Infection
Authors: Khammash Muhammad R. , Obeidat Khaled A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractFoot infection is a common problem affecting diabetics. In addition to neuropathy, ischemia is a major factor contributing to the progress and morbidity of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lower limb ischemia in patients with diabetic foot infection by prospectively measuring the ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI). Over a 21‐month period 60 patients were treated in the general surgical ward of Princess Basma Teaching Hospital. Ischemia was present in 35 of the 60 patients (58.4%). Among them 27 had moderate ischemia (ABI 0.5–0.9) and were treated successfully before further vascular workup. The other 8 patients had severe ischemia (ABI < 0.5) and required below‐knee amputation because their feet were severely infected and not salvageable. This study confirmed the recommendation for early detection of lower limb ischemia in diabetics, especially those with foot infection, as it should improve the outcome of treatment. In addition to patient education and periodic foot examinations, estimating the ABI is an easy. reliable way to determine foot blood flow and to detect patients who require further vascular workup and treatment.