bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aetiology and outcome of acute hepatic failure in Greece: experience of two academic hospital centres
Authors: Koskinas John , Deutsch Melanie , Kountouras Dimitris , Kostopanagiotou Georgia , Arkadopoulos Nikos , Smyrniotis Vasilis , Rapti Irene , Manesis Emmanuel , Archimandritis Athanasios 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction: In Western countries, the most frequent aetiology of acute liver failure (ALF) is acetaminophen overdose, while in developing countries viral infections [hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus (HBV)] predominate.Aim: To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors of survival of patients with ALF in Greece during the last 6 years.Results: A total of 40 patients, 28 females (70%), with a median age of 37.4±18.6 years (range: 15–84) with ALF were studied. HBV infection was the cause in 53% of them (compared with 74% from a previous study reported in the early 1980s), drug toxicity in 15% and undetermined in 13%. The overall survival was 57.5%, including 94% with and 15% without liver transplantation. Forty‐five per cent of our patients had emergency liver transplantation in European Centers within a median time of 3.3 days (1–9) from admission. The total bilirubin level at admission and the development of infections were found to be significantly associated with poor outcome.Conclusions: Hepatitis B virus still remains the most important cause of ALF in Greece, but shows a significant decrease as compared with studies in the early 1980s. Almost half of our patients needed emergency liver transplantation and had a very good survival rate. The other 15% of the patients presented spontaneous survival only with intensive medical support.
Ezetimibe prevents cholesterol gallstone formation in mice
Authors: Zúñiga Silvia , Molina Héctor , Azocar Lorena , Amigo Ludwig , Nervi Flavio , Pimentel Fernando , Jarufe Nicolás , Arrese Marco , Lammert Frank , Miquel Juan F. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:Intestinal cholesterol absorption may influence gallstone formation and its modulation could be a useful therapeutic strategy for gallstone disease (GSD). Ezetimibe (EZET) is a cholesterol‐lowering agent that specifically inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption.Aims:To test whether EZET can prevent gallstone formation in mice.Methods/Results:Gallstone‐susceptible C57BL/6 inbred mice were fed control and lithogenic diets with or without simultaneous EZET administration. Lithogenic diet increased biliary cholesterol content and secretion, and induced sludge or gallstone formation in 100% of the animals. EZET administration reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption by 90% in control animals and by 35% in mice receiving the lithogenic diet. EZET prevented the appearance of cholesterol crystals and gallstones. In addition, mice fed the lithogenic diet plus EZET exhibited a 60% reduction in biliary cholesterol saturation index. Of note, EZET treatment caused a significant increase in bile flow (+50%,P<0.01) as well as bile salt, phospholipid and glutathione secretion rates (+60%, +44% and +100%, respectively,P<0.01), which was associated with a moderately increased expression of hepatic bile salt transporters. In addition, relative expression levels of Nieman–Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) in the enterohepatic axis in humans were assessed. Expression levels of NPC1L1 were 15‐ to 30‐fold higher in the duodenum compared with the liver at transcript and protein levels, respectively, suggesting preferential action of EZET on intestinal cholesterol absorption in humans.Conclusions:In a murine model of GSD, EZET prevented gallstone formation by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption and increasing bile salt‐dependent and ‐independent bile flow. EZET could be useful in preventing GSD disease in susceptible patients.
Hepatic microwave ablation: a review of the histological changes following thermal damage
Authors: Gravante Gianpiero , Ong Seok L. , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Strickland Andrew , Dennison Ashley R. , Lloyd David M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMicrowave (MW) ablation therapy is a local treatment by which tumours are destroyed by coagulation from the passage of MWs into cells. The aim of this review is to examine histological results obtained from preclinical and clinical studies. A literature search was undertaken for all studies focusing on MW therapy and in which lesions were excised for a complete histopathological examination after treatment. Two main zones were described after ablative therapy (central and transitional). Both corresponded to specific microscopic characteristics and evolved over time in a precise manner. No viable cells even up to 6 cm in diameter were demonstrated in 93% of lesions after treatment. Microwave therapy is a reliable technique under a variety of clinical situations. Future investigations are needed to compare MW with other ablative techniques to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of the various techniques and to determine specific indications.
Preventative hepatology: minimising symptoms and optimising care
Authors: Hirschfield Gideon M. , Kumagi Teru , Heathcote E. Jenny 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMost care of liver disease is in the ambulatory setting, and therefore the clinical needs of patients represent those of any other chronic illness. Emphasis must be given to preventative strategies such that liver lifetime (including pre‐emptive strategies related to potential allograft survival) is maximised through timely intervention and avoidance of side effects. This review addresses the pertinent practical clinical concerns faced by clinicians as they manage adult patients with chronic liver disease, with an emphasis on preventing and managing symptoms and complications directly and indirectly related to the underlying disease.
Hepatic granuloma: decreasing trend in a high‐incidence area
Authors: Sanai Faisal M. , Ashraf Suhail , Abdo Ayman A. , Satti Mohammed B. , Batwa Faisal , Al‐Husseini Hussa , Saleh Ahmed M. , Bzeizi Khalid I. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground: Hepatic granuloma (HG) has a high reported incidence in Saudi Arabia (14.6%). We aimed to identify the incidence of HG in our centres and review its presenting features and underlying aetiology.Methods: A total of 5531 liver biopsies were screened through a computer database over 13 years. Sixty‐six (1.2%) patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The patients were then divided into three groups according to the aetiology. Group 1, tuberculosis (n=26); Group 2, viral hepatitis B and C (n=11); and Group 3, idiopathic (n=9). The demographical data and the clinical and biochemical features of all the groups were analysed.Results: Infections comprised of 72.2% of HG. The incidence of tuberculosis was 42.6%, viral hepatitis 16.3% and idiopathic 14.8%. Fever (47.5%), weight loss (42.6%) and fatigue (45.9%) were commonly found symptoms. Fever and weight loss were significantly more frequently presenting symptoms in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 (P=0.0002, 0.04, 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). The mean bilirubin levels in Group 1 were significantly lower than in Groups 2 and 3 (P=0.04 and 0.03 respectively). The mean albumin levels were significantly lower in Group 3 compared with Group 2 (P=0.002), and Group 1 had lower levels compared with Group 2 (P=0.018).Conclusion: The incidence of HG is much lower than reported previously from this region. Tuberculosis and viral hepatitis are the most common causes and, contrary to previous reports, schistosomiasis is rare. Fever and weight loss distinguished tuberculous HG.
Pregnancy and liver transplantation
Authors: Surti Bijal , Tan Jennifer , Saab Sammy 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSince the first pregnancy in a transplant recipient in 1958, pregnancy in recipients of solid organ transplants has become increasingly common. Although previously considered a hazardous event, data collected over the last 50 years demonstrate that despite an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, pregnancy in transplant recipients can have a successful outcome. As of 2006, there were over 3000 female liver transplant recipients of childbearing age in the USA. Two hundred and two pregnancies and 205 outcomes were reported in 121 liver transplant recipients in the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. Children born to female liver recipients have a greater risk of prematurity and low birth weight than the general population, but no malformation patterns have been observed. Mothers are more likely to experience pregnancy‐induced hypertension, pre‐eclampsia and caesarian section, but overall mortality is not worse. Rates of acute rejection and graft loss are similar to nonpregnant liver recipients. The optimal timing of conception post‐transplant is controversial, but current recommendations suggest waiting for at least 1 year after transplantation. Choice of contraception is also debatable, although barrier methods have traditionally been preferred. Many medications used for post‐transplant immunosuppression have potential effects during pregnancy and breast‐feeding. The risks and benefits of each medication should be reviewed with patients contemplating pregnancy, and regimens should be tailored accordingly.
Ribavirin mode of action in chronic hepatitis C: from clinical use back to molecular mechanisms
Authors: Hofmann Wolf Peter , Herrmann Eva , Sarrazin Christoph , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRibavirin is an old broad‐spectrum antiviral that is highly effective when used in combination with interferon‐α and also as part of triple therapies containing new inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) non‐structural (NS)3/4 protease or HCV NS5B polymerase for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ribavirin enhances early and sustained virological response rates during interferon‐based antiviral HCV therapy are still unknown. Several mechanisms including (i) immunomodulatory properties, (ii) inhibition of the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, (iii) direct inhibition of the HCV‐encoded NS5B RNA polymerase, (iv) induction of lethal mutagenesis and (v) modulation of interferon‐stimulated gene expression are currently proposed. Here, we discuss recent advances from in vitro data and their importance for the situation in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, theoretical aspects from mathematical modelling of ribavirin action in chronic hepatitis C are reviewed.
Barriers to physical activity participation in older Tongan adults living in New Zealand
Authors: Kolt Gregory S , Paterson Janis E , Cheung Vivian Y M 
Published: August 2010

Objectives:  To identify perceived barriers to physical activity participation in older Tongan adults living in New Zealand. Methods:  Focus groups with 24 sedentary older Tongans to examine the role of physical activity in Tongan culture, perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity participation, and how to encourage physical activity participation. Data were analysed using a descriptive qualitative methodology. Results:  The perceived role of physical activity centred on traditional ways of living, recreational and outdoor pursuits, and house chores and activities of daily living. Physical activity barriers included education and motivation, physical environment, family environment, physical and health issues and cultural expectations. Social, psychological, cognitive and health benefits of physical activity were identified, and it was suggested that the government, medical/health practitioners and church leaders were all important in encouraging increased participation. Conclusions:  Community‐based programmes may be one way of encouraging physical activity in this population.
FRESHWATER PRAWN FARMING IN TAIWAN—THE PATTERNS, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS1
Authors: Chao Nai‐Hsien 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn Taiwan, large acreages of suitable freshwater ponds, streams and dams, as well as irrigation canals used for culturing various freshwater fishes, are available to shift to freshwater prawn farming because of its proven good flavor, higher price and the established propagation and cultivation techniques. Since 1974, the number of stockable juveniles supplied by Tungkang Marine Laboratory (TML) and some private hatcheries has increased year by year from 110,580 to over 5,000,000 in 1978. Therefore, several culture patterns have been set up as demonstrations in TML and in the private farms consulted by TML. Extensive and intensive culture, polyculture with fishes, as well as river ranching, are discussed. The bottom choice of mud pond, sand pond, cement pond, and polyethylene sheet pond, and the food choice, mainly of egg custard, steamed rice, fish paste in early culture stage, with trash fish, cereals and prepared feed in late culture stage are summarized. The marketing system is discussed and an estimation of total production is made on updated investigation. A speedy solving of the listed local problems would lead to steady progress in freshwater prawn farming.
THE ROLE OF NATURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND APPLIED FEEDS IN THE GROWTH OF Macrobrachium rosenbergii1
Authors: Stahl Margo S. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn Hawaii, applied feeds account for a high percentage of a prawn farmer' production costs. These applied feeds may be important not only because of direct consumption by prawns, but also because of entrance into the natural food chains, which appear to contribute significantly to prawn nutrition. This paper presents information evaluating the direct and indirect roles of an applied feed in a simulated pond environment as well as the relative contributions of the autotrophic and heterotrophic food chains to prawn growth.Postlarval prawns were placed in large outdoor pools having various combinations of 3 potential food sources—organic detritus, phytoplankton, and applied feed. Results of two 50‐day unreplicated studies, with 3 treatments each, determined that natural foods alone, consisting primarily of a mixture of organic detritus and soil produced growth rates equal to or better than commercial production ponds. The applied feed alone (26% protein), with minimal natural foods and no organic detritus or soil, was unable to support growth rates comparable to the other treatments. The earthen substrate appears to supply a major growth factor lacking in applied feeds.An applied feed to supplement the natural foods produced significantly better growth than that obtained by natural foods alone, although this increase was not dramatic. Growth rates in this system averaged 1.5 cm/mo. Water column phosphate levels as well as carbon and nitrogen levels in the sediment increased in the systems supplemented with feed.Future pond management may require more attention to promoting natural productivity, particularly in the detrital layer. Complementary interaction is desirable between naturally available foods and applied feeds.
BIVALVE MOLLUSCAN CULTURE IN AN ARTIFICIAL UPWELLING SYSTEM1
Authors: Roels Oswald A. , Sunderlin Judith B. , Laurence Scott 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTSince May 1972, the St. Croix Artificial Upwelling Project has utilized a constant flow of nutrient‐rich water, pumped from 870 m depth in the sea into ponds (100 m2, one m deep) on the north shore of St. Crolx, to produce phytoplankton. This phytoplankton suspension was pumped continuously to filter‐feeding shellfish.Initial technical feasibility experiments have demonstrated that Mercenaria campechiensis, a hybrid of M. mercenaria x M. campechiensis, Tapes japonica, Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas, C. gigas Kumamoto variety, Argopecten irradians and Pinctada martensii grew rapidly in this system. Crassostrea virginica and M. mercenaria did not grow well.From October 1976 until October 1978, the St. Croix Artificial Upwelling Mariculture system was operated in pilot‐plant fashion to determine yields and provide a basis for cost estimates of the system. Tapes japonica used in the pilot plant were produced in the hatchery of the Artificial Upwelling system in St. Croix. The phytoplankton protein production achieved in the pilot plant, including the down‐time of the nutrient‐limited pools for cleaning and reinoculation, was equivalent to 8.1 tons/ha/year from July 1977 until July 1978. During a 12‐month period of pilot plant operation (October 1977‐October 1978), 423 kg of Tapes japonica were produced, corresponding to 22% conversion efficiency of phytoplankton protein to shellfish meat protein and 42.3 tons of shellfish produced/year/ha of phytoplankton pond. An economic evaluation of the pilot plant results is underway.
ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION OF GREEN SEA TURTLE EGGS (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Wood James R. , Wood Fern E. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTGreen sea turtle eggs obtained from both a captive breeding colony and natural beaches are artificially incubated at a commercial sea turtle farm in the Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Eggs are commonly incubated in styrofoam boxes packed with sand and eggs. Experiments involving variations of packing procedures, egg handling, temperature control and hatchery conditions have been done to verify the optimum incubation methods and conditions. Results clarify the need for maintaining appropriate temperature and adequate oxygen levels to assure the maximum yield from eggs incubated.
INTRODUCTION TO AQUACULTURE IN TAIWAN1
Authors: Li Yenpin , Liao I‐Chiu 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTTaiwan is located in the subtropical region with the Tropic of Cancer crossing at mid‐island. The warm weather permits a growing season of 8–10 months for most warm water species. It is generally believed that aquaculture has been practiced in Taiwan for some 300 years. In 1977, the total pond area under aquaculture in Taiwan was 31,757 ha, including 13,460 ha of fresh water and 18,297 ha of brackish water. The area of reservoir and paddy field utilized for culture was 8,550 ha. In addition, there were 14,646 ha of shallow sea along the west coast of Taiwan and coastlines of Penghu (Pescadores) utilized for seaweed, oyster and clam culture. Total aquaculture production in 1977 was 139,628 metric tons, accounting for 16.3% of the year' total fishery production; of this, 61,285 metric tons were from freshwater ponds, 38,466 metric tons from brackish water ponds, 8,838 metric tons from reservoirs and paddy fields, and 31,039 metric tons from shallow sea culture.The organisms under aquaculture include finfish, crustaceans, molluscs and seaweeds. However, limitations arising from scarcity of land available for conversion into aquafarms and water pollution problems have partially restricted expansion.All aquaculture production in Taiwan has been achieved in the private sector largely by individual farmers and a small number of companies mostly involved in eel and shrimp culture enterprises. Research and extension services have been supported by the government. Emphases of aquaculture research have been on controlled reproduction, intensive culture systems and fish diseases. Technical advances have been made in the artificial propagation of major Chinese carp, grey mullet, penaeid shrimp, Macrobrachium, small abalone, etc., development of cage culture of fish, intensive culture of eel and shrimp, hanging method of oyster culture and production of tilapia. Among the top priority problems are unstable seed supply of some important species, i.e., milkfish and eel, and high level technology to increase aquaculture operation per unit area.
PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS OF NETCAGE CULTURE OF GROUPER (Epinephelus tauvina F) IN SINGAPORE
Authors: Chen F. Y. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe development of netcage culture of grouper (Epinephelus tauvina) and other expensive fish species in Singapore, a densely populated island state with inherent physcial limitation, is aimed at maximizing production and economic returns per unit area or effort. Studies on netcage culture are conducted at the floating experimental fishfarm. The floating structure with 32 cage units, and its effect on current movement are described. Cost‐benefit analysis based on a production of 40 kg/m2/year demonstrates the economic viability of grouper culture in Singapore. Large‐scale production is, however, hampered by a shortage of fingerlings and feeds (trash fish).Scientific breakthrough on the breeding of the protogynous hermaphrodite has been achieved in early 1977. It is largely due to the success in inducing sex inversion of adult females to functional males. Technical details and problems of induced sex inversion, spawning and larval rearing are discussed at length. Research into substituting trash fish with dry pelleted feeds in the weaning of juveniles is encouraging. This is discussed briefly together with the diseases encountered.
PROSPECTS FOR COMMERCIAL CULTURE OF THE EUROPEAN SEA BASS (Dicentrarchus labrax) AND OTHER MARINE FINFISH IN FRANCE AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Authors: Girin Michel 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe author summarizes the work carried out in France and neighboring countries, for the last decade, on cultivation of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), Dover sole (Solea solea) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).Particular emphasis is given to the European sea bass, a carnivorous fish whose market value ranges between 6 and 10 $US/kg. Among the species listed, it is the only one presently cultured from egg to pansize fish in commercial ventures. Although economic aspects are not completely known, several large‐scale hatcheries and demonstration farms are under construction. Many others are planned for the near future.
EFFECTS OF PHOTOPERIOD AND TEMPERATURE ON THE SPAWNING OF YELLOW PERCH (Perca flavescens)1
Authors: Kayes Terrence B. , Calbert H. E. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake Mendota, Dane County, Wisconsin, normally spawn over a 2‐ to 3‐week period in April to early May when the water temperature reaches 8.0 to 12.0°C. Adult fish captured and warmed from 2.5 to 9.0–13.0°C in February began spawning in the laboratory within the same 4‐day period in April as did the fish in Lake Mendota. This was true regardless of whether the perch in the laboratory were under a 13.5‐hour light (L)/10.5‐hour dark (D) or a 10.5 L/13.5 D photoperiod. The spawning season in the laboratory, however, lasted 2 weeks longer than it did in the field. Perch captured in April spawned readily (within 7 days) in tanks under a 13.5 L/10.5 D photoperiod when the temperature was raised from 5.0 to 12.0°C. Perch also spawned under photoperiods of 18 L/6 D and 6 L/18 D when warmed from 5.0 to 12.0°C, but the predictability of spawning was decreased. Keeping fish at 5.0°C slowed but did not entirely prevent the onset of spawning. In separate tests, the proportion of females that spawned within 7 days of a 5.0 to 12.0°C temperature shift increased as the spawning season progressed. It is concluded that the onset of spawning in yellow perch depends more on the intrinsic maturational state of the gonads than on specific spring‐time photoperiod‐temperature cues. Temperature may exert a major influence on maturation and seems to have a modulating influence on spawning. However, rising temperature and/or temperature thresholds per se do not determine when perch spawning begins. Photoperiod may also have a modulating influence on spawning, but one that is not as important as that of temperature.
MATURATION OF PENAEID SHRIMP: DIETARY FATTY ACIDS
Authors: Middleditch B. S. , Missler S. R. , Ward D. G. , McVey J. B. , Brown A. , Lawrence A. L. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTComparisons were made between fatty acid profiles of gonad, digestive gland, and tail muscle samples of immature and mature male and female Penaeid shrimp obtained at sea. The major fatty acids of the lipids from mature ovaries were C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids. An annelid rich in lipids containing these acids was used as a dietary supplement for shrimp grown in the laboratory, and spawning was achieved with Penaeus setiferus. The possible role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in ovarian maturation is discussed.