bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE AND AETIOLOGY OF LYMPHOEDEMA AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IN SOUTHERN TASMANIA
Authors: Edwards Thomas L. 
Published: July 2002

Background: Lymphoedema can be a devastating complication of surgical treatment for breast cancer. There is a lack of research on its prevalence in Australia which has hindered the development of measures to combat the condition. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence and investigate the aetiology of upper limb lymphoedema in women treated for breast cancer in the years 1994–1996 in southern Tasmania. Methods: A standard volumetric water displacement technique was used to measure the arms of 201 women. A subjective assessment of swelling was also made by each patient. Factors analysed for statistical association with lymphoedema were: patient characteristics, type of treatment and tumour, and lymph node pathology. Results: The overall objective prevalence rate, regardless of treatment type, was 11%; whereas, the subjective rate was 23.4%. The objective prevalence for procedures involving axillary surgery was 14.2%. Significant statistical associations were found between arm size and body mass index at time of assessment (r = 0.15, P = 0.04); type of surgery (Chi‐squared test = 11.06, P = 0.05); surgery to axilla (U = 2515.5, P = 0.002); tumour size (r = 0.17, P = 0.03); and tumour grade (Chi‐squared test = 6.51, P = 0.04). No significant relationship was found between lymphoedema and axillary irradiation, number of lymph nodes removed, age or handedness of the patient. Conclusions: Women receiving axillary dissection as part of their breast cancer treatment carry a significant risk of developing lymphoedema, regardless of the extent of surgery. The causative role of axillary irradiation was not supported. Future research should concentrate on less invasive alternatives to axillary dissection, such as sentinal lymph node biopsy.
AXILLARY DISSECTION AND DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU OF THE BREAST: A CHANGE IN PRACTICE
Authors: Kitchen P. R. B. , Cawson J. N. , Krishnan C. M. , Barbetti T. M. , Henderson M. A. 
Published: July 2002

Background: Axillary dissection may be associated with significant morbidity and, while it is necessary in the treatment of invasive breast cancer, is not indicated for the treatment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), although it is being performed in a significant number of cases. The present study examined the incidence of elective axillary dissection in the treatment of DCIS cases detected in a mammographic screening programme over a 4‐year period, and whether surgeons have changed their practice in this respect. Methods: BreastScreen Victoria records were examined retrospectively for the period from January 1995 to December 1998 to identify patients treated for DCIS. The incidence and indications for axillary surgery were investigated. Results: There were 579 cases of DCIS and 93 (16%) had some form of axillary surgery, which was thought to be inappropriate in 57 (10%), the latter being performed by 21 city surgeons and 20 rural surgeons. Before surgery, 36 (63%) cases were diagnosed by core biopsy or excision, and 21 (37%) had imaging and cytology alone for diagnosis. The rate of unnecessary axillary dissections dropped steadily from 14% in 1995 to 4% in 1998, a significant reduction (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The incidence of axillary dissection for DCIS has dropped significantly over the last 4 years in Victoria, possibly due to increased awareness through education and guidelines. Surgeons are now more aware that in situ lesions do not need axillary dissection, and that axillary dissection should not be performed for breast cancer unless invasion has been proved histologically.
CHILDHOOD POST‐STREPTOCOCCAL GLOMERULONEPHRITIS IS A DETERMINATE OF CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE IN LATER LIFE
Authors: A White , W Hoy , B Hayhurst , D. McCredie 
Published: July 2002

Background: An epidemic of end‐stage renal disease is occurring in Aboriginal people. Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) associated with pyoderma, occurs frequently in Aboriginal children, although it is virtually eliminated in the rest of Australia. We examined the association between PSGN in childhood and the development of chronic renal disease in later life.Methods: In a remote coastal community in the Northern Territory, we established a historical cohort of children who were aged 2‐15 years during epidemic PSGN in 1980 and 1987. History of PSGN during the epidemics was defined using clinical criteria from the original medical records. a) PSGN: haematuria/proteinuria plus oedema or hypertension n = 63 b) haematuria or proteinuria only n = 87, and c) controls: normal examination and urinalysis n = 89, or normal examination without urinalysis n = 135 or not seen n = 98. The main outcome measure, urine albumin to creatinine ratio ACR, was measured in these people at a mean time of 14 years after the epidemics and at a mean age of 20 yrs, range 8‐33.Results: Proportions with albuminuria at follow‐up.

All n = 472

Controls n = 322

Haem/prot n = 87<

PSGN n = 63

ACR ≥ 3.4
22%
18%
31%
32%

ACR ≥ 34
6%
4%
8%
13%

The relative risk (RR) for overt albuminuria (ACR ≥ 34) in those with a remote episode of PSGN compared to controls is 4.2 (95% CI 1.9‐9), after adjustment for age and sex, and the population attributable risk (PAR) is 32% (90% CI 11‐49). The RR of microalbuminuria (ACR ≥ 3.4) is 2.1 (95% CI 1.4‐3.1) and the PAR 14% (90% CI 6‐22). There were no differences in blood pressure, creatinine or calculated GFR.Conclusion: In this population, PSGN in childhood is a powerful risk factor for the development of albuminuria in early adult life.
The clinical utility of measuring free‐to‐total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) ratio and PSA density in differentiating between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
Authors: KochaÑska‐Dziurowicz  , Mielniczuk  , Stojko  , Kaletka  
Published: July 2002

Objective To evaluate the role of free‐to‐total prostate‐specific antigen ratio (f/tPSA), prostate volume and PSA density in differentiating between men with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Patients and methods The study comprised 51 patients who were assessed after transurethral electroresection of the prostate (16 with prostate cancer and 35 with BPH). Patients with a tPSA of ≤4.0 ng/mL and ≥30.0 ng/mL were excluded from the analysis. Total and fPSA were measured using an immunoradiometric assay and prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasonography. The incidence of prostate cancer and BPH was then compared with the PSA variables to determine specificity and predictive value.Results Most patients with BPH had a tPSA of 4.0–6.0 ng/mL; no patients with BPH had a tPSA of >20.0 ng/mL. Most patients with prostate cancer had a f/tPSA of 6–10%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for f/tPSA was significantly greater than that for tPSA (P<0.003).Conclusions The measurement of f/tPSA and PSA density increase the specificity of the differential diagnosis between BPH and prostate cancer.
Predicting head circumference at birth: a study in a Dutch population using the Rossavik growth model
Authors: Kurniawan Y. S. , Deter R. L. , Visser G. H. A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe use of the Rossavik growth model for predicting neonatal head circumference from data obtained from two ultrasound scans before 28 weeks' menstrual age was investigated in 50 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy in a Dutch population. The head circumference predicted at 38, 39, 39.5 and 40 weeks' gestation and at birth was compared to the head circumference observed at birth. The accuracy was expressed in percentage difference and the growth potential realization index (GPRIHC) was used as an indicator of growth outcome.The predictions at 39.5 weeks and 40 weeks were accurate without systematic error. Prediction at 38 weeks showed a statistical underprediction (mean ± SD = −2.3 ± 2.0%, p < 0.05) and at birth a systematic overprediction (mean ± SD = +1.4 ± 2.1%, p < 0.05). Based on the regression analyses of percentage differences against birth ages, the growth of the head circumference appeared to stop at about 39.5 weeks. The results of the present study were compared to studies of populations in the United States. The growth of the head circumference before 28 weeks was similar in all samples studied, but growth cessation was at 38 weeks in the fetuses in the USA and at 39.5 weeks in these Dutch fetuses. The mean values of GPRIHC were not different from 100% in all samples studied and the ranges were similar (mean, 100.3% range, 97–103% in the present study). Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Influences of monocular image degradation on the monocular components of fixation disparity
Authors: Irving E. L. , Robertson K. M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe monocular components of the forced vergence fixation disparity curve were evaluated for equal retinal images and for two kinds of monocular retinal image degradation. Computer‐generated nonius lines were used to measure the fixation disparity curve components. Monocular defocus was obtained by placing convex lenses before one eye. In the second instance monocular image degradation was achieved by placing light‐scattering filters before one eye. A small percentage of subjects displayed unequal distribution of the monocular components of fixation disparity with no image degradation. For both conditions of monocular image degradation, the distribution of the monocular components was found to be biased in favor of the clear image. However, defocus, which affects the high spatial frequencies relatively more than scatter, was found to have a greater effect on the distribution of the monocular components of fixation disparity than scatter.
A CASE OF “NORMAL” RADICULOPATHY
Authors: Francia A. , Restante R. , Finamore L. , Barrella M. , Manfredi M. 
Published: July 2002

We followed up a woman, aged 58, presenting with difficulty in fine finger movements, moderate‐to‐severe strength deficit at right thumb opposition, and ipsilateral thenar and hypothenar atrophy, but no pain or loss of sensibility. A series of electromyograms performed between November 1996 and June 1997 pointed to motor polyneuropathy with conduction block. Lumbar puncture was negative and routine blood chemistry showed erythrosedimentation rate to oscillate between normal and increased values. Antinuclear and antiendomysium autoantibodies were present, but anti‐GM1 autoantibodies were negative. Cervical CT scan showed right C5‐C6 and C6‐C7 foraminal stenosis supported by joint hypertrophy.The patient was subjected to intravenous immunoglobulin infusion and gluten‐free diet with no improvement. Subsequent clinical follow up and electromyograms showed no conduction block or multiple motor involvement. A suspected diagnosis of round pronator syndrome was ruled out by neurophysiological data, clinical examination, and history. X‐ray with oblique projections and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed CT data. Currently, the same localised deficits persist, with no extension to other districts; a mild improvement was seen after kinesiotherapy.This case was complicated by initial misdiagnosis of neuropathy of immunological origin, due to overestimation of nonspecific or isolated laboratory data. In this case, simply focusing on X‐ray data and greater attention to clinical examination and reported symptoms allowed a correct diagnosis of “simple” cervical radiculopathy.
A FAMILY WITH AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MUTILATING NEUROPATHY NOT LINKED TO EITHER 3q13‐q22 OR 9q22 LOCI
Authors: Bellone E. , Di Maria E. , Cassandrini D. , Rodolico C. , Mazzeo A. , Girlanda P. , Vita G. , Pizzuti A. , Toscano A. , Ajmar F. , Mandich P. 
Published: July 2002

The clinical separation of CMT2 from HSAN I may be difficult in some kindreds in which the sensory and motor symptoms and deficits are approximately alike. The genetic studies of CMT2 families are also controversial: one form of CMT2 was shown to map on chromosome 3q13‐q22 and named CMT2B; the HSAN I locus was mapped to 9q22.1. We describe a family with an autosomal dominant inheritance in which at least three members, belonging to three generations, developed a progressive neuropathy that combined limb weakness, wasting, and severe distal sensory loss leading to prominent mutilating changes. The onset was in late childhood, with progressive weakness in the lower limbs and later in the hands, resulting in a severe paralysis in the feet in one patient. Sensory disturbances were pronounced in 2 patients, and led to poorly healing ulcerations with osteomyelitis and amputations in one foot and mutilating lesions of both hands. Electrophysiological investigation revealed an axonopaty with consistent motor damage. Sural nerve biopsy showed a reduction in the density of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, with regenerating clusters.Linkage analysis using 5 microsatellite markers within to the critical 9q22 region was performed. Lod scores of this family calculated by LINKAGE package excluded association to this locus. We also performed linkage studies with chr. 3q13‐q22 markers associated to the CMT2b locus. Lod scores excluded this locus as well as responsiblity of the familial phenotype. The severity of motor involvement would suggest classifying the disorder of this family as a form of HSMN II rather than HSAN, indicating that a new locus is involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
PACLITAXEL NEUROTOXICITY: ANTI‐APOPTOTIC EFFECT OF RESVERATROL
Authors: Miloso M. , Rigolio R. , Nicolini G. , Crimi M. , Donzelli E. , Di Silvestro A. , Cavaletti G. , Tredici G 
Published: July 2002

We have demonstrated in the SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line that the antineoplastic drug paclitaxel induces apoptosis associated with the phosphorylation of c‐raf and Bcl‐2, thus causing Bcl‐2 inactivation. In addition, we have observed the cleavage of caspase 7 and PARP, and the involvement of JNK/SAPK cascade.In this study, we investigated the possible anti‐apoptotic effect of resveratrol on paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis. Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant occurring in grapes and wine that as been shown to have anticancer and anti‐inflammatory effects. Studies on the effect(s) of resveratrol on nervous cells are very few and limited to testing its ability in preventing oxidative stress in rat pheocromocytoma PC12 cells. However, the biological and pharmacological properties of resveratrol suggest that this natural compound might act on neuronal cells with a mode of action that is different from the antioxidant ones. To confirm this hypothesis, we studied the possible antagonist effect(s) of resveratrol on paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis pathways.Our results indicate that the simultaneous treatment of 50M resveratrol and 1M paclitaxel induces a significant reduction of the percentage of apoptotic cells in comparison with 1M paclitaxel alone. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that resveratrol treatment determines a significant reduction of the phosphorylation of c‐raf and Bcl‐2 and a partial reduction of cleavage of caspase 7 and PARP. Finally, we observed an evident reduction of activation of JNK/SAPK in the presence of resveratrol. On the contrary, resveratrol does not affect the tubulin polymerization induced by paclitaxel.In conclusion, our results suggest that resveratrol is able to partially antagonize a nonoxidative stress apoptotic stimulus by influencing the typical signal pathways involved in apoptosis.
POSSIBLE USE OF SYMPATHETIC SKIN RESPONSE AND THERMOGRAPHY IN ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF SYMPATHECTOMY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Buonocore M. , Bettaglio R. , Bodini A. , Miotti D. , Mazzucchi G. , Bonezzi C. 
Published: July 2002

The objective assessment of sympathectomy is clinically difficult. Its success is usually judged in terms of patient's improvement.Aim: This study tested the hypothesis of possible use of Thermography and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) in assessing the effects of sympathectomy.Case history: A man suffering from chronic, disabling palmar hyperhidrosis underwent a bilateral, localised, endoscopic resection of the thoracic sympathetic chain, immediately below the second thoracic ganglion. After the operation he had a significant reduction of palmar hyperhidrosis, but he did not feel satisfied with the operation due to distal paresthesias associated with thermal allodynia in the upper limbs and excessive, troublesome compensatory sweating of the trunk and lower limbs. We evaluated him fifteen months after the operation and symptoms were still present. Standard neurological examination was normal apart from a mild heat hyperesthesia in the distal portions of upper limbs.Methods: SSR was evoked by auditory, alerting stimuli and recorded simultaneously from palm and sole bilaterally. We preferred to use auditory stimulation because of the low variability of SSR waveform usually obtained with this method. The amplitude of SSR in the palm and sole were measured and a palm/sole ratio was calculated. Total body thermography was also performed.Results: A clear reduction in SSR palm/sole ratio was observed. Thermography showed a thoracic thermal level with the upper part of the body being warmer than the lower.Conclusion: Judging from the results obtained in this single case, both SSR and Thermography appear to be objective, simple, noninvasive tools for assessment of thoracic simpathectomy effectiveness. Studies on a large population of patients are needed.
NON‐UNIFORM CONDUCTION SLOWING IN X‐LINKED DOMINANT CHARCOT‐MARIE‐TOOTH DISEASE (CMTX)
Authors: Capasso M. , Di Muzio A. , Cavallaro T. , Taioli F. , Fabrizi G.M. , Uncini A. 
Published: July 2002

In hereditary demyelinating neuropathies conduction slowing has been reported to be uniform between and within nerves. This practical criterion has been used in the differential diagnosis with acquired demyelinating disorders. We report a 55‐year‐old man complaining of weakness and paresthesias of right hand and weakness of right leg. Examination showed bilateral pes cavus, difficulty to walk on heels, mild distal weakness in upper limbs, more on the right, and reduced reflexes in lower limbs. CSF was normal. Electrophysiological study showed a demyelinating sensory‐motor polyneuropathy with non‐uniform slowing of motor conduction, abnormal amplitude reduction with temporal dispersion of proximal motor responses in median and ulnar nerves. Sural biopsy was consistent with a demyelinating neuropathy. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) was diagnosed and the patient treated with prednisone with improvement of paresthesias. Four years later the patient's brother, 57 years old, was referred for cramps, fasciculations and paresthesias in extremities. Examination showed mild distal weakness and atrophy, pes cavus, and reduced or absent reflexes. CSF examination showed slightly increased proteins and conduction slowing was uniform. Molecular analysis revealed in both patients an Arg(15)Gln Cx32 mutation.Non‐uniform conduction slowing has been recently re‐ ported in a CMTX family with Arg(15)Trp mutation (same codon of our patients) and in a woman with a non sense mutation at codon 102. The possibility of a CIDP‐like electrophysiological pattern in some CMTX patients should be kept in mind to avoid misdiagnoses.
A Novel System for Spectral Analysis of Solar Radiation within a Mixed Beech‐Spruce Stand
Authors: Reitmayer H. , Werner H. , Fabian P. 
Published: July 2002

Abstract: A multi‐sensor system is described, based on a 1024 channel diode array spectrometer, to measure spectral radiant flux density in the range of 380 nm to 850 nm, with a resolution of 0.8 nm in minimal 16 milliseconds integration time per sensor (noon, clear sky conditions). 264 space‐integrating 4π sensors deployed in the canopies and 2 m above stand floor are sequentially connected to the spectrometer by means of 30‐m long fibre optics. During low‐level conditions (dawn, overcast sky) the system automatically lengthens the integration time of the spectrometer. About 3 sec per sensor, i.e., 13 min for the total of 264 sensors (worst case) are needed to collect spectral energy data, store them on hard disk and move the channel multiplexer to the next fibre optic position. The detection limit of quartz fibre sensors is 0.2 W/m2; precision and absolute error of radiant flux density are smaller than 3 % and 10 %, respectively.The system, operating since 1999, is derived from a 20‐sensor pilot system developed for PAR measurements (PMMA fibre sensor, 400nm to 700 nm).Data achieved with the system serve to determine vertical profiles of wavelength dependent radiation extinction, with special respect to R/FR ratios and to develop a model of spectral radiation distribution in a mature forest stand, prerequisites for the computation of carbon gain of the stand and the evaluation of stand growth models.
Imagining the past: the use of archive pictures in secondary school history textbooks
Authors: David Robert G. 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTThis article examines the use of archive pictures (paintings, photographs and engravings) in school textbooks, in the controversial setting of the Key Stage 3 (11–14) and Key Stage 4 (14–16) topics of the American West and the Native Peoples of North America, where pictorial images have created powerful stereotypes. Attention is drawn to the 1994 Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority's report on history textbooks, which criticized the lack of supporting information for archive pictures. Textbooks written prior to the 1994 report are contrasted with those written since. It is noted that despite the report and recent historical interest in the study of representations, there has been little improvement in textbook design. The methods of analysis that should be used on paintings, photographs and engravings are explained in some detail, and the effect of not providing the essential background for pupils to develop a reasoned discussion of their value as historical evidence is demonstrated through a number of case‐studies. Finally a checklist is provided for authors, publishers, teachers, trainee teachers and teacher educators to help them incorporate essential background material, in order to ensure that pupils can bring the same critical awareness to pictorial images as they have become accustomed to with written sources.
A tale of two cities: HIV risk behaviours among injecting drug users in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: ABDUL‐QUADER ABU S. , QUAN VU MINH , O'REILLY KEVIN 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe and highlight HIV drug risk behaviours among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Using a cross‐sectional design 470 IDUs (Hanoi, n = 302; Ho Chi Minh City, n = 168) were recruited and interviewed by trained interviewers. The IDUs in Ho Chi Minh City were older, more likely to be employed and less likely to be single than those in Hanoi. History of injecting also varied: on average, IDUs in Ho Chi Minh City had been injecting longer (17 years in Ho Chi Minh City compared with 3 years in Hanoi). Three‐quarters of the IDUs injected at least once a day and a similar proportion had their last injections administered by someone else. Eighty‐two per cent had seen and/or read something on HIV/AIDS and 73% mentioned to have initiated risk reduction; however, no significant difference was found between two cities. Even though there is a significant difference between IDUs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in terms of certain risk behaviours, the IDUs in both cities continue to expose themselves to HIV infection. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the IDUs in these two cities in terms of initiating HIV risk reduction, even though prevention programmes were implemented in Ho Chi Minh City earlier than in Hanoi. The presence of high‐risk behaviours and absence of any meaningful risk reduction among IDUs in both cities indicate the need for intensive targeted intervention. [Abdul‐Quader A, Quan VM, O'Reilly K. A tale of two cities: HIV risk behaviours among injecting drug users in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Drug Alcohol Rev 1999;18:401–407]