bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral and Bilateral Vasectomy in the Dog: Alkaline Phosphatase as an Indicator of Tubular Patency
Authors: Stornelli A , Arauz M , Baschard H , de La Sota R‐L 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThe objective of this research was to use a model of unilateral and bilateral occlusion of the ductus deferens in the dog to study the use of alkaline phosphatase (AP) as an indicator of tubular patency. Seven healthy cross bred dogs weighing 10–15 kg BW with normal spermiogram and AP concentrations in semen were used. From each dog, three semen samples were obtained before (intact) and after right (unilateral) and left (bilateral) vasectomy. The AP concentrations were measured in duplicates by a colorimetric method in each of the three fractions (first, second (sperm‐rich), third) of each ejaculate. In addition, a macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of each ejaculate was carried out to assure its quality. Data were analysed by least squares analysis of variance using SAS®. In intact and unilateral vasectomized dogs, 96.6% of AP measured in semen corresponded to the second sperm‐rich fraction whereas 1.53 and 1.83% corresponded to the first and third fractions respectively. Total AP concentrations (first and second and third fraction) in vasectomized dogs were lower than in intact animals (19.857 vs 2284.431 ± 4.347 UAL; p < 0.001). AP concentrations were much lower in bilateral than in unilateral vasectomized dogs (142 vs 39.572 ± 4.347 UL, p < 0.001). In summary, AP concentrations in semen can be used as an early indicator of unilateral or bilateral lack of patency of the epididymal and deferent ducts in the dog.
Quality of life in schizophrenia: A review of the literature from 1995 to 2000
Authors: Pinikahana Jaya , Happell Brenda , Hope Judy , Keks Nicholas A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:The measurement of the quality of life of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders has become central to evaluating the effectiveness of treatments offered by Australian mental health services. The importance of quality of life as an indicator of the outcomes of interventions has been reflected by a large body of research seeking to measure the impact of variables such as gender, ethnicity and duration of illness on the measurable quality of life of an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia. This study aims to review and synthesize the recent literature in which quality of life has been measured by the use of at least one quality of life instrument. It is concludes that while the measurement of quality of life is valuable as a measure of outcomes, it should be treated as only one means of doing so.
Restoration of Lake Geneva: Expected versus observed responses of phytoplankton to decreases in phosphorus
Authors: Anneville Orlane , Ginot Vincent , Angeli Nadine 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLong‐term phytoplankton responses in Lake Geneva to a decline in phosphorus (P) loading are examined in terms of summer (July–September) biomass and community structure. With the rapid development of human activity on its banks and within its catchment area in the 1960s, this large subalpine hydrosystem shifted from oligotrophy to eutrophy within approximately one decade. Measures to reduce P loading were initiated successfully in the mid‐1970s, when total P concentrations in the winter overturn altered from 90 μg/L in 1980 to 40 μg/L in 1998. Until the 1990s, algal descriptors improved as expected (biomass decline, reappearance of diatom species, increased contribution of nanoplankton). Then, paradoxically, and in contrast to the reappearance of oligotrophic species, summer algal biomass began to increase. Pre‐summer (period prior to the beginning of the clear water phase) dissolved inorganic phosphorus concentrations and summer phytoplankton composition presented similar interannual trends. However, the succession of phytoplankton structure during the reoligotrophication phase differed greatly from that during the eutrophication period, and a recent abnormal upward trend in algal densities is mainly the result of the development of large species that formerly were only common from late September until November. This community change, mainly triggered by filamentous (Mougeotia gracillima, Tribonema) or motile forms (Dinobryon sociale, Cryptophycea), seems to have been induced by the earlier and greater deepening of the P‐depleted layer. In addition to milder summers, this massive development of larger forms seems to be favoured by four of their biological features: tolerance to warm temperatures, tolerance to low‐light intensity (might exploit deeper layers where P is not yet limiting), shapes not only providing a large surface to volume ratio or motility (adaptation to low‐nutrient concentrations), but increasing resistance to zooplankton grazing. This paradoxical trend, perhaps reinforced by the decline on roach Rutilus rutilus abundance (an opportunistic planktivore), is likely to remain until the P‐depleted zone is extended below the layers that can be frequently resupplied in nutrients by hydrodynamic processes.
Creating a nursing development unit in a dementia care context
Authors: Keatinge Diana , Scarfe Carrol 
Published: March 2003

Keatinge D, Scarfe C. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1998; 4: 120–125 Creating a nursing development unit in a dementia care context This paper describes the process through which a Nursing Development Unit (NDU) was created in a 29‐bed unit in which nurses care for severely demented residents. The question about whether or not ethics clearance is required for the development phase of NDUs is discussed, and the framework in which to develop the NDU described. The benefits of using Participatory Action Research as the basis for undertaking a continuous process of reflection and change is highlighted. It is also suggested that two key elements necessary for NDUs are that they are ‘owned’ by the staff who work in them and that they are supported by senior management of the organisations in which they exist.
The old get equal care: Myth or reality
Authors: Wagner Nurit , Tabak Nili 
Published: March 2003

The old get equal care: Myth or reality A national ethics survey was conducted of all registered nurses participating in post‐basic specialisation nursing courses in Israel over a one‐year period (1994–95) to identify ethical situations which confront Israeli nurses caring for patients of different age groups and in different clinical settings. This study compares the responses of those nurses caring for elderly patients (60 years or older) with those caring for adult patients in other age groups. Nurses caring for the elderly reported encountering ethical dilemmas in 16 out of 37 situations presented to them, more than in the other adult patient age groups. The most frequent dilemmas were concerning mistaken or questionable treatment, patient–family conflict, patient referral to an institution or discharge to the home where the family is incapable of caring for him, offensive behaviour by caregivers and physical restraint of the patient for staff convenience. It is recommended that nursing ethics intervention programmes be established to promote ethical decision making and patients’ rights.
Assessment of long‐term outcomes of hepatitis C virus infection in a cohort of patients with acute hepatitis in 1971–1975: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Rodger Alison , Thomson Jennifer , Thompson Sandra , Jolley Damien , Mijch Anne , Lanigan Anna , Crofts Nick 
Published: March 2003

Background: To examine the long‐term effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a cohort of patients admitted to Fairfield Hospital with hepatitis from 1971 to 1975. The availability of stored sera from this time enabled testing to identify those who were anti‐HCV positive on admission. Methods: Sixteen per cent (n = 230) of the cohort tested positive for HCV antibody (anti‐HCV). The ‘unexposed’ group was selected from those who were anti‐HCV negative. Systematic approaches were used to locate the cohort and health outcomes assessed by a study specific questionnaire and clinical review with repeat serology and liver function tests. Results: Complete follow up has been achieved on a subset of 35 HCV‐seropositive and 70 seronegative individuals. The seropositive group was significantly more likely to have given a history of injecting drug use, the presumed route of infection. The seropositive group was also more likely to have elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels, but only two (6%) were known to have progressed to cirrhosis. Discussion: The anti‐HCV‐positive individuals followed up to date are at increased risk of liver‐related pathology, but few had progressed to cirrhotic liver disease. This differs from findings of transfusion‐related studies and suggests, within the limitations of the study, that the natural history of community acquired HCV may be more benign.
Effect of anaemia on haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Lee Wui‐Chiang , Lin Han‐Chieh , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Chang Full‐Young , Tsai Yang‐Te , Lee Shou‐Dong 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been suggested that increased blood haemoglobin attenuates splanchnic vasodilatation in portal‐hypertensive rats by nitric oxide inactivation. However, the haemodynamic effect of anaemia in cirrhotic patients of varying severity has been rarely discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anaemia on systemic and splanchnic haemodynamics in cirrhotic patients of differing severity. Methods: Two hundred and twenty‐five cirrhotic patients were included in this study. All biochemical and haemodynamic results were utilized for analysis. Anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin level below the cut‐off value of 12g/dL, which might best predict low systemic vascular resistance. Results: Compared with non‐anaemic patients, anaemic patients had decreased mean arterial pressure (90 ± 1 vs 95 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0.002), and decreased systemic vascular resistance (1022 ± 25 vs 1227 ± 30, P < 0.0001), and increased cardiac index (4.3 ± 0.1 vs 3.8 ± 0.1 L/min per m2, P < 0.0001) and increased hepatic venous pressure gradient (16.7 ± 0.5 vs 14.4 ± 0.6 mmHg, P = 0.006). Haemoglobin concentration exerted an influence on the degree of vasodilatation in cirrhotic patients, with Child–Pugh’s A class (but not in Child–Pugh’s B and C classes), and in patients without ascites (but not in patients with ascites). Conclusions: It was concluded that anaemia has a negative effect on hyperdynamic circulation in patients with early cirrhosis which is not observed in patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Effect of temperature and mechanical strain on gastric epithelial cell line GSM06 wound restoration in vitro
Authors: Osada Taro , Iijima Katsuyori , Tanaka Hiroshi , Hirose Miyoko , Yamamoto Junko , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: March 2003

Background: The influence of the degree of cell differentiation and of physical stimulation on gastric mucosal wound healing is not completely understood. Methods: A gastric mucosal cell line, GSM06, derived from the gastric mucosal cells of transgenic mice harbouring the simian virus 40 large T antigen, was cultured at 33°C to make a confluent cell sheet. Artificial wounds of constant size were created. Wound healing was monitored at different temperatures (33, 37 and 39°C), which altered the degree of differentiation. Cell proliferation was detected by bromodeoxyuridine staining. Mechanical strain was applied to adherent GSM06 cells after wounding in order to increase their length by an average of 5 or 10% at 5 cycles/min for 60 h. Repair of the wound was monitored every 12 h. Results: Differentiated gastric epithelial cells showed a higher speed of migration. The number of proliferating cells around the wound was greatest at 33°C and barely detectable at 39°C. Under conditions of mechanical strain, the migration speed of differentiated cells (at 39°C) slowed in a strain strength‐dependent manner.
Conclusions
: It is suggested that cell differentiation status and physical stimulants might play a role in gastric wound healing in vivo by modifying cellular migration.
Limitation of cholangiography in assessing longitudinal spread of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma to the hepatic side
Authors: Tamada Kiichi , Yasuda Yoshikazu , Nagai Hideo , Tomiyama Takashi , Tano Shigeo , Kanai Nobuyuki , Ohashi Akira , Aizawa Toshiyuki , Ido Kenichi , Kimura Ken 
Published: March 2003

Background: Preoperative assessment of longitudinal spread of bile duct carcinoma (BDC) to the hepatic side remains a difficult problem for diagnostic imaging. Methods: We studied the accuracy of cholangiography in assessing BDC. In 54 patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer, cholangiographic findings were compared retrospectively with the histological findings of the resected specimens. Results: Histological examination of specimens indicated longitudinal spread of the tumour to the hepatic side in 22 of 54 patients. The accuracy of cholangiography in assessing the extent of the longitudinal spread was only 34/54 (63%). When the cholangiographic images showed a main tumour with a collapsed edge, there was a significantly higher frequency of longitudinal spread compared with tumours with sharp edges (P < 0.05). In contrast, the accuracy of mapping biopsy under percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (n = 24) was 83%. Conclusions: Cholangiography cannot accurately assess the extent of the longitudinal spread of bile duct cancer. When cholangiographic images show a tumour with a collapsed edge, preoperative or intraoperative histological examination is essential to determine a suitable surgical line.
Effects of ammonia solution on the gastric mucosa in cirrhotic rats and therapeutic effects of geranylgeranylacetone
Authors: Sugimoto Motonobu , Machida Yota , Ito Kinji 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: We designed an animal model in order to clarify whether Helicobacter pylori infection causes the gastric mucosal lesion frequently seen in cirrhotic patients.
Methods
: Ammonia (NH3) solution was given to rats with carbon tetrachloride‐induced cirrhosis. The gastric mucosal hexosamine (Hx) content and histopathological findings in the cirrhotic rats were analysed and compared with those of the intact liver rats. Moreover, the usefulness of geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) was investigated in both rat groups. Both rat groups were subdivided according to the treatment as follows: a control group, an NH3 (0.02% solution) group, and an NH3 + GGA (400 mg/kg per day) group; and fed for 4 weeks.
Results
: The gastric mucosal Hx content of the control group of the cirrhotic rats (16.7 ± 5.2 Μg/mg) was significantly lower than that of the control group of the intact liver rats (26.6 ± 4.5 Μg/mg, P < 0.05). In the cirrhotic rats, the Hx content of both the NH3 (31.9 ± 13.1 Μg/mg) and the NH3 + GGA group (31.9 ± 9.8 Μg/mg) was significantly higher than the Hx content of the control group (P < 0.05). Microscopically, in the cirrhotic rats, while scattered mucosal erosions were recognized in three of five rats of the NH3 group, there were no erosions in any rats of the NH3 + GGA group.
Conclusions
: These data suggest that the gastric mucosal defence mechanism is defective in liver cirrhosis and that NH3 enhances this defensive mechanism by acting as mild irritant; however, in some cirrhotics this results in gastric erosion due to excessive irritation. Geranylgeranylacetone protects the gastric mucosa against NH3 irritation in cirrhotics without enhancing the Hx content. Thus, H. pylori infection may be a possible cause of the gastric mucosal lesion in patients with liver cirrhosis. The mechanism of the therapeutic effect of GGA is not due to an enhancement of the gastric mucosal Hx content.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Effect of pancreastatin on cerulein‐stimulated pancreatic blood flow and exocrine secretion in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Migita Yoshikatsu , Nakano Itsuro , Goto Masayoshi , Ito Tetsuhide , Nawata Hajime 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Pancreastatin (PST) is an inhibitor of pancreatic exocrine secretion in vivo but not in vitro, which suggests that the inhibitory effect of PST is indirect, that is, not mediated by a specific receptor on pancreatic acinar cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of PST on pancreatic exocrine secretion and local pancreatic blood flow in anaesthetized rats to elucidate the participation of PST in indirect regulation of pancreatic exocrine function through blood supply.
Methods
: Pancreastatin (100, 200 or 500 pmol/kg per h) was administered intravenously under background infusion of cerulein (0.5 μg/kg per h), a cholecystokinin analogue. Pancreatic exocrine secretion was monitored by volume and protein output of the pancreatic juice and local pancreatic blood flow was measured by the hydrogen gas clearance method.
Results
: Pancreastatin significantly reduced cerulein‐induced local pancreatic blood flow in a dose‐dependent manner. Pancreatic exocrine secretion was also reduced significantly by PST dose‐dependently. Pancreastatin did not change systemic blood pressure. These results suggested that the reduction of pancreatic blood flow is associated with the reduction of pancreatic exocrine secretion.
Conclusions
: We conclude that the mechanism of PST‐induced inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion is, at least, partly mediated by the reduction of local pancreatic blood flow through blockade, caused by the action of cerulein on pancreatic blood flow.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
A selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitor, NS‐398, may improve portal hypertension without inducing gastric mucosal injury
Authors: Tsugawa Kouji , Hashizume Makoto , Migou Shinichirou , Kishihara Fumiaki , Kawanaka Hirofumi , Tomikawa Morimasa , Sugimachi Keizo 
Published: March 2003

Background and Aims: Prostacyclin has been shown to play a role in hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertension. Recently, a new subtype of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX), COX‐2, which acts as an inducible synthase in response to various stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate whether COX‐2 contributes to portal hypertension and whether a COX‐2 blockade induces the same sort of gastric mucosal injury as a COX‐1 blockade. Methods: Portal hypertension (PHT) in rats was induced by a two‐step ligation of the portal vein. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal pressure (PP), visceral blood flow volume (BFV), serum levels of 6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and gastric mucosal injury induced by pure ethanol were all measured in PHT rats receiving different inhibitors (indomethacin, a highly selective COX‐1 inhibitor; NS‐398, a highly selective COX‐2 inhibitor). Control rats treated by a sham operation were also studied. Results: The NS‐398 administration significantly decreased PP to the same extent as indomethacin at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg in PHT rats after a 60 min administration, while neither inhibitor affected the control rats. Both inhibitors significantly increased PP after a 30 min administration in the PHT and control rats at a dose of 5 mg/kg while both inhibitors significantly decreased PP after 60 min administration only in the PHT rats. Portal vein ligation treatment induced a significant increase in PP and BFV of the portal vein, gastric mucosa, oesophageal mucosa and the serum levels of 6‐keto‐PGF1α and TXB2, while portal vein ligation treatment induced a significant decrease in BFV of the liver. Both blockades increased MAP and decreased PP and BFV in the splanchnic area and decreased the serum level of 6‐keto‐PGF1α and TXB2 in the PHT rats, while neither blockade modified any parameters in the control rats, except that indomethacin administration significantly decreased the BFV of the gastric mucosa. Indomethacin administration significantly increased the ulcer index (UI). The NS‐398 had no effect on UI in either the PHT or control rats. Only indomethacin significantly increased the number of rats demonstrating gastric mucosal long lesions (> 2 cm) in the PHT rats. Conclusion: In the PHT rats, prostaglandin seemed to contribute to portal hypertension. Both COX blockades reduced PP and BFV of the portal vein and gastric mucosa. NS‐398, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, may, therefore, improve portal hypertension without inducing gastric mucosal injury.
Parenchymal echo patterns of cirrhotic liver analysed with a neural network for risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fukuda Hiroyuki , Ebara Masaaki , Kobayashi Akira , Sugiura Nobuyuki , Yoshikawa Masaharu , Saisho Hiromitsu , Kondo Fukuo , Yahagi Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: To objectively evaluate the parenchymal echo patterns of the liver in cirrhosis, an image analysing system in which a neural network is used has been found capable of numerically calculating coarse score (CS). Using this system, we analysed whether or not CS can serve as a predictive factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
: The risk factors for HCC were evaluated in 95 patients with liver cirrhosis with an average follow‐up period of 2041 ± 823 days. We used a three‐layer feed‐forward neural network and a back‐propagation algorithm to calculate CS.
Results
: There were strong correlations between CS, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and the average cumulative incidence rate of HCC evaluated by the Cox’s proportional hazards model. The adjusted rate ratios were estimated to be 3.00, 2.80 and 2.01, respectively. The cumulative risks of HCC were significantly higher with an initial CS ≥ 1.5 than with an initial CS < 1.5, with ALT ≥ 80 IU/L than with initial ALT < 80 IU/L and with AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL than with initial AFP < 20 ng/mL, all analysed by the log‐rank test.
Conclusions
: Coarse score is a useful predictor for development of HCC.
Germinated barley foodstuffs attenuate colonic mucosal damage and mucosal nuclear factor kappa B activity in a spontaneous colitis model
Authors: Kanauchi Osamu , Andoh Akira , Iwanaga Toshihiko , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Toyonaga Atsushi , Bamba Tadao 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Germinated barley foodstuffs (GBF), which are derived from brewer’s spent grain and are a highly safe food substance, increased butyrate production in the lower intestine and prevented mucosal damage and bloody diarrhoea in an acute experimental colitis model. As human histocompatibility leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 transgenic rats develop spontaneous and chronic intestinal inflammation resembling ulcerative colitis, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of GBF against a spontaneous and chronic colitis model. Specifically, the production of bacterial butyrate and the regulation of proinflammatory cytokine production were examined.
Methods
: A GBF diet and a cellulose (CE) diet were fed to HLA‐B27 transgenic rats for 13 weeks. The presence of faecal occult blood, colonic mucosal protein, DNA and RNA content, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) DNA binding activity, the depth of the crypts and serum inflammatory parameters were then evaluated. Butyrate production in the caecal contents was also determined.
Results
: Feeding GBF significantly increased bacterial butyrate production and simultaneously attenuated the presence of faecal occult blood and colonic mucosal hyperplasia. Colonic mucosal NFκB‐DNA binding activity and the production of interleukin‐8 were also suppressed by the butyrate produced from GBF.
Conclusions
: Germinated barley foodstuffs feeding promotes bacterial butyrate production and attenuated inflammation in both spontaneous and chronic colitis in HLA‐B27 transgenic rats.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd