bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in ascitic fluid of decompensated cirrhotic patients with and without spontaneous ascites infection
Authors: Kiyici Murat , Nak Selim Giray , Budak Ferah , Gurel Selim , Oral Barbaros , Dolar Enver , Gulten Macit 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Spontaneous ascites infection is a frequently encountered and important complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. The immune system plays an important role in the development or eradication of this infection. A number of compositional and functional alterations in immune system cells have been demonstrated in cirrhotic patients; however, there is a lack of knowledge about this issue in ascitic infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate lymphocyte subsets and levels of some ascitic and lymphocytic intracytoplasmic cytokines in decompensated cirrhotic patients with or without spontaneous ascites infection.Methods:  The study population consisted of 45 decompensated cirrhotic patients (32 men, 13 women) with different etiologies. Patients with ascitic polymorphonuclear leukocyte count ≥250/mm3 and/or positive ascitic bacterial cultures were classified as the ‘infected group’. Comparison was made between the infected and non‐infected group for the following parameters: ascites leukocyte counts and differentiations; ascitic fluid protein; albumin levels and serum‐ascites albumin gradients; flow cytometric detection of cell surface markers for ascitic T, B and natural killer lymphocytes; intracytoplasmic interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ; levels of ascitic IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12 and TNF‐α; and soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand.Results:  The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly decreased and expression of T cell receptor‐γδ was increased in the infected group. Furthermore, ascites TNF‐α levels were also elevated in this group. Ascitic IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12 and TNF‐α levels were significantly higher in patients with positive ascitic bacterial culture.Conclusions:  These results suggest that a cytotoxic, especially Th1, immune response predominates in ascites infections. It also demonstrates that TNF‐α might be involved in the pathogenesis of ascites infections.
Oxidative stress in the development of liver cirrhosis: A comparison of two different experimental models
Authors: Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Thomas Simmy , Ramamoorthy Prabhu , Basivireddy Jayasree , Pulimood Anna B , Ramachandran Anup , Balasubramanian Kunissery A 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground/Aims:  Oxidative stress has been implicated in liver cirrhosis. Carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide are the most widely used models to develop cirrhosis in rats and the present study compares oxidative stress in the liver induced by these compounds at different stages of cirrhosis development.Methods:  Twice‐weekly intragastric or intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide, respectively, produced liver cirrhosis after 3 months. Histology, serum markers and hepatic hydroxy proline content confirmed the cirrhosis.Results:  An increase in oxidative stress parameters was seen in mitochondria, peroxisomes and microsomes from the liver after carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide treatment. Oxidative stress was more severe in carbon tetrachloride treated animals than thioacetamide. Mild oxidative stress was evident at 1 and 2 months of treatment and a significant increase was seen by 3 months of treatment with either compound. By this time, frank liver cirrhosis was also observed.Conclusions:  These results suggest that evidence of oxygen free radicals is also found early in the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis in both models.
Temperature–stress–strain trajectory modelling during thermo‐mechanical fatigue
Authors: NAGODE M. , FAJDIGA M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe isothermal strain‐life approach is the most commonly used approach for determining fatigue damage, particularly when yielding occurs. Computationally it is extremely fast and generally requires elastic finite element analyses only. Therefore, it has been adapted for variable temperatures. Local temperature—stress–strain behaviour is modelled with an operator of the Prandtl type. The hysteresis loops are supposed to be stabilized and no creep is considered. The consequences of reversal point filtering are analysed. The approach is finally compared to several thermo‐mechanical fatigue tests and the Skelton model.
Fretting fatigue under variable loading below fretting fatigue limit
Authors: KONDO Y. , SAKAE C. , KUBOTA M. , KITAHARA H. , YANAGIHARA K. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe fatigue limit diagram provides the critical condition of non‐failure against fatigue under constant amplitude loading. The fatigue limit diagram is usually considered to give the allowable stress if every stress component is kept within the fatigue limit diagram. In the case of variable amplitude fretting fatigue, however, this study showed that fatigue failure could occur even when all stresses were within the fatigue limit diagram. An example of such a condition is a repeated two‐step loading such as when the first step stress is R=−1 and the second step stress has a high mean value. The reason why such a phenomenon occurs was investigated. A non‐propagating crack was formed by the first step stress even when well below the fatigue limit. The resultant non‐propagating crack functioned as a pre‐crack for the second step stress with a high mean value. Consequently, fatigue failure occurred even when every stress was within the fatigue limit diagram of constant amplitude loading. The fatigue limit diagram obtained in constant amplitude fatigue test does not necessarily guarantee safety in the case of variable amplitude loading in fretting fatigue.
Management of congenital tracheal stenosis – using spontaneous ventilation to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: TAYLOR KATHERINE , LEVINE MARK 
Published: January 2006

SummaryWe present an unusual case of an infant with life‐threatening tracheal stenosis scheduled for repair utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. After repeated attempts at intubation endtidal CO2 was absent. The child was eventually managed with spontaneous breathing sevoflurane via a facemask. The possible causes of absent endtidal CO2 after intubation are discussed.
Comparative evaluation of different doses of propofol preceded by fentanyl on intubating conditions and pressor response during tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants
Authors: GUPTA AKHILESH , KAUR RANVINDER , MALHOTRA ROHIT , KALE SUNITI 
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackground:  The aim of our study was to determine the optimal dose of propofol preceded by fentanyl for successful tracheal intubation and to see its effectiveness in blunting pressor response in children aged 3–10 years.Methods:  This prospective, double blind, randomized study was conducted on 60 ASA grade I and II children, between 3 and 10 years undergoing elective surgery who were divided into three groups of 20 each. The children received different doses of propofol (group I, 2.5 mg·kg−1; group II, 3.0 mg·kg−1; group III, 3.5 mg·kg−1) preceded by a fixed dose of fentanyl (3.0 μg·kg−1) 3 min earlier. The tracheal intubating conditions were graded based on scoring system devised by Helbo‐Hensen et al. with Steyn modification which includes five criteria; ease of laryngoscopy, degree of coughing, position of vocal cords, jaw relaxation, and limb movement and graded on a 4‐point scale. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation changes were also noted.Results:  Tracheal intubating conditions were acceptable in 25% of the patients in group I, while significantly higher (P < 0.001) in group II (80%) and in group III (90%). The pressor response was not effectively blunted in group I (17% increase in HR), while effectively blunted in groups II and III. A fall in cardiac output was seen in group III indicated by a decrease in MAP (16%) and HR (11%). No airway complications were noted.Conclusions:  Propofol 3 mg·kg−1 (group II) preceded by fentanyl 3 μg·kg−1 is the optimal dose combination in our study. It provides acceptable intubating conditions in 80% patients, blunts pressor response to intubation without significant cardiovascular depression.
Nurses and nursing education in Ghana: creating collaborative opportunities
Authors: Talley B. 
Published: January 2006

Aim: This is a story intended to motivate the reader to become immersed in ‘verbal snapshots’ depicting the reality of nursing in Ghana as experienced by the writer. Its purpose is to encourage dialogue and creative collaboration between nurse educators in radically different settings, which would serve to enrich all those involved.Background: During the summer of 2003, a faculty member from the School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University (GSU) travelled to Africa to establish a relationship between GSU and a nursing school in Ghana, West Africa. This paper is based on the daily journal kept by that faculty member who engaged in clinical practice experiences as well as discussions with nursing educators in Ghana. Integrated in this subjective account are health data specific to Ghana. These serve to underscore health issues and situations of urgent concern in Ghana as well as to the global community, and which will assist in highlighting the potential contribution of such collaboration to strengthening the health system of the country.Conclusions: The outcome of the relationship established during this visit was intended to be a meaningful interchange of resources and experiences for both faculty and students at the two schools. It was successful in that regard. Funding is now being sought to enable further collaboration.
Interregional Fiscal Accounting
Authors: KILKENNY MAUREEN 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
Fiscal devolution fiom federal to state jurisdictions gives states more authority but also more responsibility for redistributing and stabilizing income. Both the revenue and expenditure sides of a state's budget are affected. This paper describes a social accounting matrix approach to documenting multi‐regional, multi‐jurisdiction fiscal accounts, called a fiscal SAM. Two of the many potential uses of a fiscal SAM are demonstrated. First, a fiscal SAM of rural, urban, and metro areas of Iowa is used directly to describe and compare the benchmark net fiscal situations of interdependent regions. Second, it is used to analyze the impacts of an economic downturn under a block‐grant welfare system.Substate regions are relatively more specialized than state or national economies. Thus, for example, shocks to agriculture will directly affect agriculture‐dependent counties more than other types of counties. Substate regions are also more interdependent than states, as well as more open than the nation as a whole. This means that indirect and spatial spillover effects of fiscal and other exogenous changes can be surprisingly large between counties. Here, analysis of fhe multipliers highlights the relative intensities of within and across‐region effects of changes in the form of intergovernmental transfers. The multiplier simulation estimates the relative impacts and spillover effects of economic shocks under the new regime.
Chlorine stable isotope ratios as tracer for pore‐water advection rates in a submarine gas‐hydrate field: implication for hydrate concentration
Authors: HESSE R. , EGEBERG P. K. , FRAPE S. K. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAt Ocean Drilling Program Site 997 in Blake Ridge gas‐hydrate field in West Atlantic, pore‐water studies revealed a pronounced downward depletion of the heavy chlorine isotope to nearly −4‰δ37Cl at approximately 750 m below sea floor (mbsf) associated with a 10% downward chlorinity decrease. This is one of the stronger 37Cl depletions hitherto reported for marine pore waters. Chlorinity reductions in hydrate‐bearing sediments commonly result from fresh‐water release by hydrate melting. However, in situ measurements at Site 997 suggest that >50% of the chlorinity reduction occurred prior to hydrate dissociation. Modeling the chlorinity profile shows that advection of a strongly 37Cl‐depleted, low‐chlorinity water (506 mm) from below the drilled sequence can explain the reduction prior to sampling. Fitting the model to the δ37Cl curve yielded an advection rate of 0.18 mm year−1. Diffusive mixing with near‐0‰‐δ37Cl paleo‐seawater with maximum chlorinity at shallow subsurface depths (561 mm at approximately 20 mbsf) produced the smooth, steady trend. Separating that part of the freshening caused by advection and diffusion from that due to hydrate dissociation allowed estimation of average hydrate concentrations of 3.8% of the pore space (up to 24.5% in hydrate‐rich layers; near‐100% in rare massive hydrate layers). The deep‐seated source of the 37Cl‐depleted, low‐chlorinity water remains unknown and might be located below the sedimentary section in the oceanic basement.
Studies of Caenorhabditis elegans DAF‐2/insulin signaling reveal targets for pharmacological manipulation of lifespan
Authors: Gami Minaxi S. , Wolkow Catherine A. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryMuch excitement has arisen from the observation that decrements in insulin‐like signaling can dramatically extend lifespan in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, and fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster. In addition, there are tantalizing hints that the IGF‐I pathway in mice may have similar effects. In addition to dramatic effects on lifespan, invertebrate insulin‐like signaling also promotes changes in stress resistance, metabolism and development. Which, if any, of the various phenotypes of insulin pathway mutants are relevant to longevity? What are the genes that function in collaboration with insulin to prolong lifespan? These questions are at the heart of current research in C. elegans longevity. Two main theories exist as to the mechanism behind insulin's effects on invertebrate longevity. One theory is that insulin programs metabolic parameters that prolong or reduce lifespan. The other theory is that insulin determines the cell's ability to endure oxidative stress from respiration, thereby determining the rate of aging. However, these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and several studies seem to support a role for both. Here, we review recently published reports investigating the mechanisms behind insulin's dramatic effect on longevity. We also spotlight several C. elegans genes that are now known to interact with insulin signaling to determine lifespan. These insights into pathways affecting invertebrate lifespan may provide a basis for developing strategies for pharmacological manipulation of human lifespan.
Thirty‐day typing and screening for patients undergoing elective surgery: experience at a large cancer center
Authors: Narvios Aida B. , Rozner Mark , Lichtiger Benjamin 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND:  Preoperative testing in patients scheduled to undergo surgery often includes determining the ABO group and Rh type and screening for atypical alloantibodies in blood samples. AABB recommends obtaining blood samples within 3 days of transfusion. This was extended to 30 days to minimize the number of phlebotomies, avoid delays in providing blood during surgery, and decrease the laboratory workload. This study was conducted to show that extending the expiration date of the preoperative blood sample for blood typing and screening to 30 days will serve our purpose and provide better patient care.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Data were collected for all patients undergoing elective surgery with perioperative blood samples submitted to our blood bank over 31 months. Each patient completed a questionnaire to determine whether his or her samples qualified for a 30‐day preoperative clot. The questionnaires were validated upon preoperative screening. A transfusion medicine physician made the final determination regarding whether the samples qualified for 30‐day typing and screening. These blood samples were used for cross‐matching to find compatible blood during surgery.RESULTS:  A total of 12,310 preoperative blood samples were received with a request for typing and screening, 4,370 (35.5%) of which qualified for a 30‐day expiration date. No significant problems were encountered with these blood samples.CONCLUSION:  Extension of the preoperative clot expiration date from 3 to 30 days has improved service to our patients and their physicians and indirectly reduced the laboratory workload.
The effect of patient‐controlled analgesia on coadministered red blood cells
Authors: Yousef Hanan M. , Padmore Ruth F. , Neurath Doris D. , Rock Gail A. 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND:  Patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) provides effective pain control. The possibility of administrating opioids in the same line as red blood cells (RBCs) for patients with poor venous access has been entertained. The literature on this approach is not extensive, but generally cautionary.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Standard concentrations of morphine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and meperidine (Demerol) were used to determine the effect on RBCs. Three in vitro approaches were used: 1) continuous low‐dose opioid infusion with a single bolus, 2) continuous infusion with multiple boluses, and 3) assessment of RBCs with different concentrations of opioids in test tubes. Samples were assayed for hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), plasma Hb, potassium, and lactate dehydrogenase, and a peripheral blood smear was made.RESULTS:  Addition of each drug as a single or multiple bolus(‐es) with continuous infusion showed the same effects as normal saline. In vitro exposure of Demerol at a 1:2 ratio (drug:blood) increased the MCV (110 fL), at 1:1 the MCV was 120 fL, and there was 4.5 percent hemolysis. At 2:1, hemolysis increased to 9.2 percent. Both morphine and Dilaudid had similar effects as normal saline.CONCLUSION:  Morphine, Dilaudid, and Demerol, given as a bolus in the intravenous line, have the same effects as those seen with saline. When mixed directly with the blood for more than 1 hour, however, Demerol caused increasing RBC swelling and at high, nontherapeutic concentrations, caused hemolysis. Our study suggests that analgesia delivered via PCA may be safely coadministered with RBCs. Further clinical study is warranted.
Perioperative red cell, plasma, and blood volume change in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Slight Robert D. , Bappu Norzeihan J. , Nzewi Onyekwelu C. , McClelland D. Brian L. , Mankad Pankaj S. 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND:  Current blood prescription in cardiac surgery is based largely on hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Hb may not provide a reliable guide to the patient's red cell (RBC) volume (RCV) during cardiac surgery as a consequence of the high fluid loads infused. This study provides estimates of the perioperative changes in RCV, plasma volume (PV), and blood volume (BV) with a view to developing a more accurate way of assessing a patient's need for transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Thirty adult elective cardiac surgery patients were recruited to the study. The preoperative RCV was calculated by use of a standard nomogram. Losses and gains in RCV at several time points were added or subtracted from the baseline value. Estimates of PV and BV were derived from patient hematocrit level and RCV for each time point.RESULTS:  The greatest perioperative loss of RCV occurred during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); however, half of this loss was returned to the patient at the end of CPB. A net gain of RCV occurred during the period of intensive care management. PV and BV showed two distinct peaks, immediately after CPB and at 16 hours after intensive therapy unit return.CONCLUSIONS:  PV and BV expansion are significant factors that may lead to a Hb value that is misleadingly low in that it overestimates the decrease in RCV. This effect could lead to unnecessary transfusion if the RBC transfusion threshold is based only on Hb concentration.
ABO‐mismatched marrow processing for transplantation: results of 114 procedures and analysis of immediate adverse events and hematopoietic recovery
Authors: Larghero Jerome , Rea Delphine , Esperou Helene , Biscay Nicole , Maurer Marie‐Noelle , Lacassagne Marie‐Noelle , Ternaux Brigitte , Traineau Richard , Yakouben Karima , Dosquet Christine , Socié Gerard , Gluckman Eliane , Benbunan Marc , Marolleau Jean‐Pierre 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND:  Red cell (RBC) depletion is needed to bypass ABO mismatch in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Technical and clinical data obtained after bone marrow (BM) processing with a continuous‐flow cell separator (Cobe Spectra, Gambro BCT) are reported.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  RBC depletion and recovery of nucleated cells, CD3+ cells, CD34+ cells, and colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage were calculated. Bacteriologic contaminations, side effects of graft infusion, and hematopoietic recovery were analyzed.RESULTS:  A total of 114 BM samples were processed. The mean volume collected was 1099 mL (range, 390‐2450 mL). Initial and residual mean RBCs volumes were 309.9 and 4.0 mL corresponding to a depletion of 98.6 ± 0.78 percent. Before processing, the mean numbers of nucleated cells, granulocytes, CD3+ cells, CD34+ cells, and CFU‐GM were 20.28 × 109, 12.79 × 109, 1.96 × 109, 356.7 × 106, and 195.6 × 105, respectively. The mean corresponding recoveries after processing were 33.66, 48.98, 82.02, 82.2, and 93.9 percent. Limited side effects were observed in 14 patients without correlation with residual RBCs volume. All but two patients engrafted.CONCLUSION:  BM processing with the Cobe Spectra cell separator provides high rates of RBC depletion without significant side effects after BMT.
Visual outcomes with the yellow intraocular lens
Authors: Leibovitch Igal , Lai Tze , Porter Neroli , Pietris George , Newland Henry , Selva Dinesh 
Published: January 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare postoperative best distance visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity and colour perception with the blue light‐filtering AcrySof® Natural (SN60AT) and AcrySof® single‐piece (SA60AT) intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods:  This was a prospective, randomized, comparative, interventional study comparing postoperative performance between the SN60 and SA60 IOLs. There were nine patients (nine eyes) in the SN60 group and 10 patients (10 eyes) in the SA60 group. All patients were operated using phacoemulsification. Postoperative VA (Snellen chart), contrast sensitivity (Pelli−Robson contrast sensitivity chart) and colour perception (Farnsworth−Munsell D‐15 panel test) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results:  Postoperative best corrected VA after 6 months was 20/20 or better in 89% of SN60 eyes and 100% of SA60 eyes. Postoperative contrast sensitivity scores improved significantly in both groups under both photopic and mesopic conditions. There were no statistically significant differences in contrast sensitivity scores between the SN60 and SA60 groups at any of the postoperative evaluation time‐points. Postoperative colour perception improved significantly in both the SN60 and SA60 groups, and there were no statistically significant differences in colour perception performance between the two groups. Conclusion:  The blue light‐filtering AcrySof® Natural (SN60) IOL has postoperative visual performance comparable with that of the AcrySof® single‐piece (SA60) IOL.