bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Living donor liver transplantation: Histological abnormalities found on liver biopsies of apparently healthy potential donors
Authors: TRAN TRAM T , CHANGSRI CHANIKARN , SHACKLETON CR , POORDAD FRED F , NISSEN NICHOLAS N , COLQUHOUN STEVEN , GELLER STEPHEN A , VIERLING JOHN M , MARTIN PAUL 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  With the continued shortage of deceased donor grafts, living donor liver transplantation has become an option for adult liver transplant candidates. In the non‐transplant setting, liver biopsy is typically carried out to evaluate clinical or biochemical hepatic dysfunction. In living donor liver transplantation, assessment of histological abnormalities that are undetectable by serological, biochemical and radiological methods might play an important role in donor and recipient outcome.Methods:  Seventy consecutive liver biopsies carried out as part of our evaluation of potential donor candidates for adult‐to‐adult or adult‐to‐child living donor liver transplants were analyzed.Results:  Of the 70 potential donor candidates who underwent liver biopsy for evaluation for living donor liver transplantation, 67% had an unexpected abnormality, of which steatosis was the most common abnormality (38.5%). A variety of other histopathological abnormalities were found including granulomas of unknown etiology (7%), chronic hepatitis (6%) and a microabscess. None of the histological abnormalities had been suspected despite extensive clinical, serological or radiological investigation.Conclusions:  Among the 70 potential donor candidates for living donor liver transplantation, 34% had unremarkable liver biopsies. The most common abnormality was steatosis (38.5%). These findings suggest that all potential candidates for living donor liver transplants should undergo screening liver biopsies. The precise significance of these changes remains to be determined, including which of these changes are contraindications to liver transplantation. These findings may also have implications in the non‐transplant setting as changes ascribed to specific etiologies for liver disease might include changes occurring in apparently healthy individuals.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels with the combination of peginterferon α‐2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin: Impact on health‐related quality of life
Authors: ARORA SANJEEV , O'BRIEN CHRISTOPHER , ZEUZEM STEFAN , SHIFFMAN MITCHELL L , DIAGO MOISES , TRAN ALBERT , POCKROS PAUL J , REINDOLLAR ROBERT W , GANE EDWARD , PATEL KAVITA , WINTFELD NEIL , GREEN JESSE 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  Peginterferon α‐2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin is equally effective in chronic hepatitis C patients with normal or elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values. This analysis, in patients with normal ALT levels, compared health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measurements between untreated control patients and treated patients grouped by virological response. HRQoL in the present population was also compared with HRQoL in patients with elevated ALT levels, observed in a previous study.Methods:  A total of 491 patients with persistently normal ALT levels were randomized to peginterferon α‐2a (40 kDa)/ribavirin for 24 (group A) or 48 weeks (group B) or no treatment for 72 weeks (group C). Quality of life was assessed with valid instruments (self‐administered Short Form (SF)‐36 Health Survey and Fatigue Severity Scale).Results:  In groups A and B, patients with sustained virological responses after combination therapy had significantly better quality of life and less fatigue than patients without sustained responses. Differences were significant for five SF‐36 domains, the SF‐36 Physical Component score and both Fatigue Severity Scale scores. Viral clearance was not observed in any untreated patients (group C). Comparison with data from elevated ALT patients revealed little difference in baseline quality of life, although normal ALT patients had significantly higher scores related to mental health than elevated ALT patients.Conclusions:  Eradication of HCV with peginterferon α‐2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin is associated with better quality of life and less fatigue in normal ALT patients. These patient benefits, coupled with the high probability of eradicating HCV, should be considered in making decisions about treating this population.
Interventional applications of endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Raj Melvin , Chen Robert Y 
Published: February 2006

AbstractEndoscopic ultrasound, which was developed more than 20 years ago, is currently a valuable investigative tool for endoscopists. It began as a diagnostic instrument and in the short span of a decade made a clinical impact as a therapeutic tool with a promising potential for various interventional applications. The introduction of the curved linear array echoendoscope in the 1990s enabled a whole range of interventional applications of endoscopic ultrasound ranging from fine needle aspiration of lesions surrounding the gastrointestinal tract to celiac plexus block and drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst. This review article outlines the current interventional applications of endoscopic ultrasound and discusses potential future procedures. These procedures include endoscopic ultrasound guided creation of communication between the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs, such as hepaticogastrostomy and choledochoduodenostomy.
Paediatric tuberculosis in a Pacific Islands community in New Zealand
Authors: Voss Lesley , Campbell Mary , Tildesley Christine , Hay Deborah , Vaughan Anne , Thornley Craig 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To describe the demographic, clinical and management aspects of an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) within a paediatric Pacific Island community in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2002–2003. Methods: The index and source case are described along with details of the extensive contact tracing that was undertaken in this community. Results: A total of 24 children were diagnosed with TB over an 11‐month period. All cases were found to be epidemiologically linked to the one source case, mother of the index case. This total included 22 children with pulmonary disease, 1 case of miliary disease (index case) and 1 of cervical adenitis. Only 58% had symptoms at diagnosis and only 5 presented to medical attention with symptoms, the remainder had symptoms disclosed after contact tracing occurred. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolate was fully sensitive and all children (excluding the child with miliary disease) received short course directly observed therapy. One child developed hepatotoxicity requiring modification of his drug regimen. Conclusions: Children are at high risk of developing active disease after exposure to TB. The study describes the minimal symptoms manifested in many of the children with significant radiological changes consistent with pulmonary TB. This highlights the need to consider Mantoux testing and chest X‐rays for children presenting with persistent respiratory symptoms in high‐risk populations. Issues of contact tracing and adherence were also a problem in this population.
Non‐fatal injuries among Pacific infants in Auckland: Data from the Pacific Islands Families First Two Years of Life study
Authors: Schluter Philip J , Paterson Janis , Percival Teuila 
Published: February 2006

Aims: Child injury is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. While Pacific infant death rates are relatively high in New Zealand, little is known about non‐fatal injury rates. We seek to describe maternally reported injury in Pacific infants aged between 0–24 months. Methods: A cohort of Pacific infants born during 2000 in Auckland, New Zealand, was followed. Maternal home interviews were conducted at 6 weeks, 12 months and 24 months postpartum and injury events were recalled. Marginal models using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to analysis the longitudinal data. Results: The inception cohort included 1398 infants at 6 weeks, 1241 infants at 12 months and 1161 infants at 24 months. The age‐specific injury incidence per 1000 person‐years exposure was estimated at 48 (95% CI: 23, 88) injuries for infants aged 0–6 weeks, 106 (95% CI: 88, 127) injuries for infants aged 7 weeks–12 months and 174 (95% CI: 151, 199) injuries for infants aged 13–24 months. In the multivariable GEE model, older infants (P <  0.001), infants who were male (P = 0.01), born to Pacific Island fathers and non‐Pacific Island mothers (P <  0.001), and in higher or unknown income groups (P = 0.01) were significantly more likely to suffer injury events. No significant two‐factor interaction with infant age was identified. Conclusions: Among Pacific infants, non‐fatal injury is common and injury incidence rates are considerably higher than national levels. Male infants and those born into ethnically mixed families, where the father was of Pacific Island ethnicity and the mother was non‐Pacific, were at increased relative risk of injury and might benefit from specific injury prevention targeting. However, given the high injury incidence levels found, we advocate that investigation and targeting of culturally appropriate prevention strategies for all Pacific families with young children is required to reduce injury rates for Pacific infants in New Zealand.
Serious injuries from dishwasher powder ingestions in small children
Authors: Bertinelli Amy , Hamill James , Mahadevan Murali , Miles Fiona 
Published: February 2006

Aims: To describe patterns and severity of caustic injuries sustained from dishwasher powder ingestion and highlight need for national safety standards. Methods: Retrospective chart review of admissions for caustic ingestion to Starship Children's Hospital from January 2003 to January 2005 and review of New Zealand National Poisons Centre data. Results: Between January 2003 and January 2005, the National Poisons Centre recorded 610 dishwashing powder ingestions, with 88% of children less than 2 years old. Twenty‐three children were admitted to Starship Children's Hospital following caustic ingestion, of whom 11 were identified as having ingested dishwasher powder (9 boys and 2 girls) and were aged 11 to 30 months (mean 17.5). Five children (45%) were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit over 4 months (October 2004 to January 2005), requiring intubation for airway control. Two children needed tracheostomy. Three of the 11 children (27%) required repeated oesophageal dilatation, and two underwent gastrostomy formation. One brand of dishwasher detergent and container type was implicated in over half of the cases. Conclusions: Dishwasher detergents are highly corrosive substances that cause potentially life‐threatening injuries and ongoing morbidity. The recent surge of incidents may be related to change in product constituents or non‐compliance with New Zealand safety standards. Efforts to limit product alkalinity, legislative requirement of Child‐Resistant Packaging and public education may reduce injuries from these common household substances.
Inhibitory effects of Triptolide on interferon‐γ‐induced human leucocyte antigen‐DR, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, CD40 expression on retro‐ocular fibroblasts derived from patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Yan Shu‐xun , Wang Ying 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To explore the effects of Triptolide, the principal active diterpenoid from the Chinese Medicinal Herb Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F that has immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties, on cell proliferation, hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis, and the expressions of human leucocyte antigen‐DR (HLA‐DR), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and CD40 on cultured retro‐ocular fibroblasts (RFs) from patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy.Methods:  After two to five passages, cultured RFs were incubated for 48 h within a medium alone or in the presence of recombinant human interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and various concentrations of Triptolide. Cell viability was assessed by MTT (3‐[4.5‐dimethylahiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium Bromide). RFs proliferation was assessed by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation assay. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the amount of HLA‐DR, ICAM‐1 and CD40. HA synthesis was measured by radioimmunoassay.Results:  Cell viability was not detrimentally affected when incubated with Triptolide from 0.01 µg/L to 10 µg/L for 48 h, and decreased with 20 µg/L Triptolide. The incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine of RFs was 55 476 ± 15 842 cpm incubated with medium alone or 18 352 ± 3568 cpm with 10 µg/L Triptolide (t = 5.600, P < 0.01). Initially, the percentage of positive cells of HLA‐DR, ICAM‐1 and CD40 on RFs were 4.75 ± 2.13%, 17.53 ± 10.12% and 6.38 ± 2.23%, respectively, and the synthesis of HA was 100 ± 12%. Compared with basal values, 48‐h incubation with IFN‐γ (100 U/mL) significantly enhanced the amount of HLA‐DR, ICAM‐1 and CD40, and HA synthesis. The values were 60.58 ± 10.12% (t = 13.224, P < 0.01), 62.66 ± 18.17% (t = 5.315, P < 0.01), 57.67 ± 13.61% (t = 9.110, P < 0.01) and 164 ± 22% (t = 9.238, P < 0.01), respectively. Triptolide 0.01 µg/L had little effect on IFN‐γ‐induced HLA‐DR, ICAM‐1 and CD40 amounts, as well as HA synthesis. When the concentration ranged from 0.1 µg/L to 10 µg/L, Triptolide inhibited IFN‐γ‐induced RFs activation in a dose‐dependent manner. It was also found that Triptolide had the same inhibiting effects on IFN‐γ‐induced RFs and skin fibroblasts from patients with normal individual conditions.Conclusions:  Triptolide could inhibit IFN‐γ‐induced activation of RFs derived from patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Variable phenotypes in patients diagnosed with idiopathic multifocal choroiditis
Authors: MacLaren Robert E , Lightman Susan L 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To report investigations in a case series of patients diagnosed with idiopathic multifocal choroiditis (MFC) in order to determine whether or not a new clinical phenotype could be identified and to determine the long‐term visual prognosis.Methods:  Twenty‐eight patients were identified from the clinic database of approximately 1200 and subsequently reviewed. After ocular examination, which included fluorescein angiography, 20 of these patients were determined to have idiopathic MFC. Visual outcome, patient demographics, presenting symptoms, the distribution of inflammatory cells, the pattern of chorioretinal lesions and the development of peripapillary atrophy, choroidal new vessels or cystoid macular oedema were compared.Results:  The range of follow up was 1–27 years (mean 10 years). A Kaplan–Meier plot showed that approximately 60% of patients maintained their best‐corrected visual acuity for 10 years after diagnosis. Poor vision at final review was associated with eyes having choroidal new vessels or cystoid macular oedema. Oral steroids were used to treat 11 patients, of which 10 responded with a visual improvement. The one non‐responsive patient had foveal ischaemia angiographically. Generally the idiopathic phenotype was variable and only four patients showed some overlap with known subgroups of MFC. Unusual vascular features were observed in two patients.Conclusions:  No specific phenotype was seen to emerge from this cohort of patients diagnosed with idiopathic MFC, although most were significantly different from the retinal white dot syndromes currently described. The visual prognosis was relatively good and most cases responded to oral steroids.
Cold drawn steel wires—processing, residual stresses and ductility—part I: metallography and finite element analyses
Authors: PHELIPPEAU A. , POMMIER S. , TSAKALAKOS T. , CLAVEL M. , PRIOUL C. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTCold drawing steel wires lead to an increase of their mechanical strength and to a drop of their ductility. The increase of their mechanical strength has long been related to the reduction of the various material scales by plastic deformation, but the mechanisms controlling their elongation to failure have received relatively little attention. It is usually found that heavily deformed materials show a tendency to plastic strain localization and necking. However, in this paper it is shown that, though the steel wires are plastically deformed up to strain levels as high as 3.5, a significant capability of plastic deformation is preserved in as‐drawn wires. This apparent contradiction is resolved by the existence of residual stresses inside the wire. Finite element analyses have been conducted in order to show that residual stresses, inherited from the drawing process, are sufficient to produce a significant hardening effect during a post‐drawing tensile test, without introducing any hardening in the local material behaviour. The main conclusion of this paper is that once the material has lost its hardening capabilities, residual stresses, inherited from the process, control the elongation of cold drawn wires. The finite element method allowed also the determination of the residual stress field that would lead to the best agreement between the simulated and the experimental stress strain curve of as‐drawn wires.
Prediction of rubber fatigue life under multiaxial loading
Authors: ZINE A. , BENSEDDIQ N. , ABDELAZIZ M. NAÏT , HOCINE N. AÏT , BOUAMI D. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTThe process of fatigue failure of materials is generally described by two phases: crack initiation and crack propagation. This study concerns the crack initiation in rubbers submitted to a cyclic loading. A parameter based on the strain energy density (SED) and predicting the onset of primary crack and its probable orientation has been identified for such materials according to the investigations of Mars and Fatemi. More precisely, this criterion has been analytically developed in the cases of simple tension, biaxial tension and simple shear loadings by assuming large strains. The results denote the possibility to predict the orientation plane in which the primary crack would be expected to occur in a material. Then, it was implemented in a finite‐elements (FE) program in order to be applied to structures under any kind of the strain states. A good agreement was obtained between FE and analytical results for the usual strain states. Finally, to evaluate lifetime up to crack nucleation, we have achieved a set of experimental fatigue tests using uniaxial tension (UT) and pure shear (PS) test specimens containing a hole in order to localize the crack initiation. The obtained results proved the efficiency of the criterion to describe the fatigue life of rubbers under multiaxial loading.
Corneal endothelial cell morphology of normal dogs in different ages
Authors: Rodrigues Geórgia N. , Laus José L. , Santos Jaime M. , Rigueiro Moacyr P. , Smith Ricardo L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractEndothelial cell function is essential to maintain corneal transparency, but unfortunately the regenerative capacity of the endothelium is limited. There are only a few reports describing the effect of age on morphologic appearance of corneal endothelial cells of dogs. Studies of normal corneal endothelial cells in humans and dogs have shown a decrease in endothelial cell density (ECD) and an increase in pleomorphism and polymegethism with advancing age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of age on ECD and endothelial cell morphology in dogs. A total of 30 dogs were divided into three groups (10 dogs/group) based on age: group 1 (2–12 months old), group 2 (24–72 months old), and group 3 (84 months or older). Corneas were processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed only difference in cell density between group 1 and groups 2 and 3, showing an initial decrease in cell density as the animal matured. Whereas there was significantly greater variation in cell size within the dogs in group 3 than there was within the other two groups, suggesting that there was increased polymegethism and pleomorphism with advancing age.
Possible association of glaucoma with pectinate ligament dysplasia and narrowing of the iridocorneal angle in Shiba Inu dogs in Japan
Authors: Kato Kumiko , Sasaki Nobuo , Matsunaga Satoru , Mochizuki Manabu , Nishimura Ryohei , Ogawa Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to describe the shape of the pectinate ligament (PL) and to estimate the width of the iridocorneal angle (ICA) in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eye of Shiba Inu dogs in Japan. One hundred fourteen Shiba Inu dogs were presented to the Veterinary Medical Center at the University of Tokyo between June 1998 and June 2003. Among these, 46 dogs had glaucoma; the remaining 68 dogs were presented for routine vaccinations or heartworm testing and were used as a control population. Complete ophthalmic examination and gonioscopy were performed in all the dogs. PL and ICA were evaluated by gonioscopy and goniophotographs. Of the 46 dogs with glaucoma, 17 (37%) were affected bilaterally, and 29 (63%) were affected unilaterally. Of the 29 dogs with unilateral glaucoma, the ICA of the normotensive eye was slightly narrow in 2 eyes (7%), narrow in 12 eyes (41%), and closed in 15 eyes (52%). Among the normotensive control group, the ICA was open in 13 dogs (19%), slightly narrow in 29 (43%), narrow in 22 (32%), and closed in 4 (6%). In dogs with narrow and slightly narrow ICAs, the PLs were thickened, and in some cases, formed a solid sheet. The majority of dogs with glaucoma had changes in both ICA and PL. A narrow or slightly narrow ICA was also detected in the majority of normotensive control dogs. This study suggests that ICA narrowing and PL thickening is a common abnormality in Shiba Inu dogs in Japan and may predispose those dogs to glaucoma.
Effects of travoprost 0.004% compared with latanoprost 0.005% on the intraocular pressure of normal dogs
Authors: Carvalho Alex B. , Laus José L. , Costa Vital P. , Barros Paulo S. M. , Silveira Patrícia R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose  To compare the effects of travoprost 0.004% and latanoprost 0.005% on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of normal dogs.Methods  Twenty mixed breed dogs were randomized to two groups: latanoprost was used in group A and travoprost in group B. The drugs were instilled in the right eye of the dogs, whereas the left eye received placebo. Both drugs were instilled once a day at 8 am during 5 days. IOP measurements were made at 8 am, 10 am, 2 pm and 8 pm during the 5 days of treatment, the 3 days that preceded treatment, and 3 days following treatment. Presence of blepharospasm, miosis, anterior chamber flare, and conjunctival hyperemia were evaluated during the study.Results  Mean IOP was significantly reduced in the eyes treated with both latanoprost and travoprost, when compared with the eyes treated with placebo (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean IOPs of eyes treated with latanoprost and travoprost at all time intervals during baseline, treatment, and recovery (P > 0.05). On the fifth day of treatment and on the first day of the recovery period, a severe ocular hypotension was noted with both drugs, resulting in imprecise readings with the tonometer. Miosis and conjunctival hyperemia were observed in the treated eyes of both groups, whereas flare was noticed in one latanoprost‐treated eye.Conclusion  Travoprost 0.004% significantly reduces the IOP in normal dogs. The hypotensive effect obtained with travoprost 0.004% is comparable to that obtained with latanoprost 0.005%.