bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical sprue is associated with contamination of small bowel with aerobic bacteria and reversible prolongation of orocecal transit time
Authors: GHOSHAL UDAY C , GHOSHAL UJJALA , AYYAGARI ARCHANA , RANJAN PIYUSH , KRISHNANI NARENDRA , MISRA ASHA , AGGARWAL RAKESH , NAIK SITA , NAIK SUBHASH R 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground:  In tropical sprue (TS), response to antibiotics may suggest a role for bacterial contamination of the small bowel, which is known in diseases with prolonged orocecal transit time (OCTT).Methods:  We studied 13 patients with TS (diagnosed by standard criteria) for frequency, nature and degree of bacterial contamination of the small bowel by quantitative culture of jejunal aspirate, glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT), and OCTT by lactulose hydrogen breath test before and after treatment. Twelve patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and 12 healthy subjects served as controls.Results:  Ten of 13 patients with TS had bacterial contamination compared with 3/12 with IBS (all aerobic, P < 0.05). Median colony count in TS (36 000 CFU/mL, 400 to > 100 000) was higher than IBS (700 CFU/mL, 100–1000, P < 0.05). Gram‐negative aerobic bacilli were commonly isolated in TS but not in IBS. Median OCTT was longer in TS (180 m, 40 − 240) than IBS (110 m, 70 − 150, P = 0.008) and healthy subjects (65 m, 40 − 110, P = 0.0007, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Orocecal transit time in TS correlated with fecal fat (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient 0.69, P < 0.05). Orocecal transit time and fecal fat, repeated in 8/13 patients, decreased with treatment for TS (195 m, 130–240 vs 125 m, 90–200, P = 0.02; 8 g/24 h, 6.8–19.6 vs 7 g/24 h, 4.2–9, P = 0.04, respectively).Conclusion:  Aerobic bacterial contamination of the small bowel is common in patients with TS. Prolonged OCTT in TS correlated with fecal fat and normalized in a subset of patients after treatment.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Inducibility of microsomal liver function may differentiate cirrhotic patients with maintained compared with severely compromised liver reserve
Authors: HEROLD CHRISTOPH , GANSLMAYER MARION , OCKER MATTHIAS , ZOPF STEFFEN , GAILER BARBARA , HAHN ECKHART G , SCHUPPAN DETLEF 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:Quantitative tests of liver function (QTLF) can be modulated by enzyme‐inducing agents. The objective of the study was to examine changes in QTLF after treatment with Phenobarbital, a potent cytochrome P450‐inducing agent.Methods:Forty‐six consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis Child–Pugh score B and C (34 alcoholic, 12 hepatitis C) and a compromised aminopyrine breath test (ABT) were included. Thirty‐six patients (group I) received phenobarbitone (150 mg) for 7 days. Ten patients (group II) received a placebo. The QTLF, which included ABT (microsomal liver function), galactose elimination capacity (GEC, cytosolic liver function), sorbitol clearance (SCl, liver plasma flow) and indocyanine green clearance (ICG, liver perfusion) was carried out before and after pharmacological induction.Results:Group I showed a basal ABT of 0.18 ± 0.11% dose·kg/mmol CO2(normal >0.6%), which increased significantly after induction (172%,P < 0.05), whereas in group II the ABT values did not change. In group IB, a subgroup of group I which exceeded the basal threshold value of 0.30% after stimulation (n = 22), the ABT values increased significantly to 0.44 ± 0.17% (244%,P < 0.01). The GEC, SCl and ICG remained unchanged before and after induction.Conclusions:After pharmacological induction, microsomal liver function increased significantly in a subgroup of patients with liver cirrhosis, whereas the GEC, SCl and ICG remained unchanged. Inducibility of the microsomal liver function could be used as a novel parameter of functional hepatic reserve and prognosis in cirrhosis.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Is apoptosis in antral mucosa correlated with serum nitrite concentration in Japanese Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients?
Authors: TARI AKIRA , KODAMA KANJI , KITADAI YASUHIKO , OHTA MASAHIRO , SUMII KOJI , KAJIYAMA GORO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim: Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric mucosa is a form of chronic active gastritis that leads to expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in host macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Nitric oxide produced by these cells infiltrating the gastric mucosa could damage DNA. We correlated apoptosis in H. pylori‐infected antral tissue from peptic ulcer patients with serum nitrate‐plus‐nitrite.Methods: Biopsy specimens were obtained endoscopically from antrum and fundus in 17 peptic ulcer patients before and after H. pylori eradication. Tissue samples were subjected to rapid urease testing and histopathological scoring (updated Sydney system), as well as immunohistochemical detection of single‐stranded DNA indicating apoptotic cells. Fasting serum samples were analyzed for combined nitrate and nitrite content.Results: In all cases atrophy was absent to mild in antral mucosa and H. pylori was eradicated successfully. A strong positive correlation was present between apoptosis and both inflammation and activity scores in infected antral mucosa. A significant positive correlation also was noted between apoptosis and H. pylori density. Serum nitrite concentrations were decreased significantly by successful eradication of H. pylori, and showed a strong positive correlation with H. pylori density. Serum nitrite concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with numbers of single‐stranded DNA‐positive cells.Conclusions: High H. pylori density was associated with elevated serum nitrate‐plus‐nitrite (a marker of nitric oxide production in gastric mucosa). Increased apoptosis and abnormal gastric cell turnover are likely results.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Long‐term results of multiple minocycline hydrochloride injections for the treatment of symptomatic solitary hepatic cyst
Authors: YOSHIDA HIROSHI , ONDA MASAHIKO , TAJIRI TAKASHI , ARIMA YASUO , MAMADA YASUHIRO , TANIAI NOBUHIKO , AKIMARU KOHO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: The current study presents the long‐term results of multiple minocycline hydrochloride (MINO) injections for the treatment of symptomatic solitary hepatic cyst.Methods: From 1989 to 1998, nine patients were referred for the treatment of a symptomatic solitary hepatic cyst, comprising two males and seven females aged between 41–72 years (mean 58.2 years). The chief complaint in all cases was upper abdominal discomfort or pain. Mean cyst diameter was 14.1 ± 2.3 cm. After insertion of an 8 or 9‐French catheter into the cyst, 200 mg of MINO in 10 mL saline was injected and the catheter was flushed with 10 mL saline, for a total of 20 mL saline. The catheter was then clamped for 30 min. MINO injection was performed daily for 7–8 days, after which time the catheter was removed.Results: One patient complained of moderate right subscapular pain immediately after the injection, and one patient complained of pain at the site of catheter insertion. Patients were followed for 42–153 months (mean 85 months). Cyst regression without recurrence was documented in all patients.Conclusions: Multiple injections of MINO are safe, definitive treatments for symptomatic solitary hepatic cyst.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Enhanced intestinal inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium in tumor necrosis factor‐alpha deficient mice
Authors: NAITO YUJI , TAKAGI TOMOHISA , HANDA OSAMU , ISHIKAWA TAKESHI , NAKAGAWA SHUJI , YAMAGUCHI TAIJI , YOSHIDA NORIMASA , MINAMI MASATO , KITA MASAKAZU , IMANISHI JIRO , YOSHIKAWA TOSHIKAZU 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims: Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a potent pro‐inflammatory cytokine thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. To further define the role of TNF‐α in intestinal inflammation, we studied the effects of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration in mice with targeted deletions of TNF‐α gene.Methods: Acute colitis was induced in female TNF‐α–/– and TNF‐α+/+ mice by administering 4.5% DSS orally in drinking water for seven days. The colonic mucosal injury and inflammation was evaluated based on body weight changes, total colon length, luminal hemoglobin, and histological findings. Colonic mRNA expression for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF‐α, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) activation was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results: In each assessment, colonic injury was significantly aggravated in DSS‐treated TNF‐α–/– mice compared with DSS‐treated TNF‐α+/+ mice. The survival rate of TNF‐α–/– mice on day seven was 40%; in contrast, all TNF‐α+/+ mice were alive. Histological study also showed an enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, and mucosal cell disruption in DSS‐treated TNF‐α–/– mice compared with DSS‐treated TNF‐α+/+ mice. On day seven, mRNA levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in the colons of TNF‐α–/– mice were faint or not detected; in contrast, those of TNF‐α+/+ mice were detected. Although the expression of iNOS mRNA and luminal nitrite levels were similarly increased in both mice on day seven, this induction was delayed in TNF‐α–/– mice during the early phase. The degree of NF‐κB binding activity seemed to be similar between the two types of mice on day seven.Conclusion: DSS‐induced inflammation is significantly enhanced in TNF‐α–/– mice compared to TNF‐α+/+ mice. These data suggest that persistent and marked blockage of TNF‐α bioactivity may provide a detrimental effect on acute intestinal inflammation.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Rain and groundwater as phosphorus sources of a small reservoir
Authors: Miranda Sebastião A. , Matvienko Bohdan 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAt Broa hydroelectric reservoir 82% of phosphorus (P) input is from rivers, 12% from groundwater seepage input and 6% from direct rainfall. The reservoir retains 15% of incoming P, corresponding to 73 mg/m2/year sedimentation. Proportions of water input are 36% from groundwater seepage in the dry season and 68% from seepage and 3% from direct rainfall in the rainy season; the remainder comes from rivers. Average P concentration during the 1996 rainy season was 27 μg/L in rain, 6.1 in groundwater, 68.54 in rivers and 33.56 in outflow.
Heavy metal pollution in a sewage‐fed lake of Bhopal, (M. P.) India
Authors: Shrivastava Pradeep , Saxena Alok , Swarup Abha 
Published: December 2004

AbstractShahpura Lake receives untreated domestic sewage from residential areas in Bhopal city. Analysis of water, plankton, fish and sediment reveals that the lake is contaminated by certain heavy metals. The concentrations of some of these metals including iron and manganese were within acceptable limits, whereas others including chromium, nickel, zinc and lead were not within acceptable water quality limits. Metal concentrations in the sewage inlet drain and lake sediment were compared with published criteria. The comparison revealed that the metals in the sediment ranged from the ‘non‐polluted’ to the ‘heavy pollution’ categories. The reference dose was calculated by the adoption of the United States Environmental Protection Agency reference dose factor, and the result reveals that the local population is not exposed to undue health risks. Concentrations of heavy metals in the water increased during the second year of the study, indicating an increase in the pollution load on the system. This might increase the bioaccumulation levels in fish and increase the actual dose of metals to which the local population will be exposed.
Variations in trace elements in bottom sediments of major rivers in Lake Victoria's basin, Kenya
Authors: Mwamburi Job 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRiver sediments collected between March 1994 and January 1995 were analysed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) in the less than 63 μm grain‐size fraction. The river sediments were characterized by a sandy texture, with a relatively low organic matter (as percentage loss on ignition), ranging 3.5–9.6%. The metal mean range values in μg/g dry weight for the river sediments were: Mn (836–2.10 × 104), Fe (1.09 × 104–9.22 × 104), Al (2.86 × 103–7.77 × 103), Zn (34–130), Cu (11–78), Cr (not detected ND–125); Pb (ND–100) and Cd (ND). Temporal variations were significant for Zn, Cr and Pb. There were no significant longitudinal differences in all the elements in rivers Nyando, Nzoia, Yala and Sondu‐Miriu, apart from sediment Fe contents. Relatively high sediment Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr and Al were observed in river Kasat. River Kasat was considered polluted with respect to Mn, Zn and Cr, which were comparatively higher than unpolluted sediments and geochemical background values. This supports similar results on surface water trace element levels. Most of the rivers drain an area of relatively similar lithological characteristics. Therefore, apart from the direct waste input into Kasat river from municipal and industrial sources, lack of specific point sources indicate lithological metal origins with localized variations. A final comparative evaluation of the river sediments’ trace metal pollution was made from the study results. The data is vital for pollution management of the lake as information about metal loadings into the lake ecosystem is lacking.
Darbepoetin alfa: A new erythropoietic drug for the treatment of renal anaemia*
Authors:   Amgen Anaemia Advisory Group
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®, Amgen Ltd) is a long‐acting, hyperglycosylated recombinant human erythropoietin (r‐HuEPO; epoetin) analogue, developed for the treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, i.e. end‐stage renal failure or progressive renal impairment). Based on previously published European guidelines, this review article presents key recommendations for the use of darbepoetin alfa in Australasian clinical practice.Darbepoetin alfa is expected to be a valuable alternative therapeutic agent for the management of renal anaemia. Clinical data demonstrate that: Once‐weekly administration of darbepoetin alfa – whether by subcutaneous (s.c.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection – is as effective as epoetin therapy, administered two or three times per week; patients receiving once‐weekly doses of epoetin can be switched to darbepoetin alfa, once every 2 weeks; target haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations can be successfully maintained in patients switched from epoetin therapy to less frequently administered doses of darbepoetin alfa (administration once every 2 weeks is sufficient for some patients); and darbepoetin alfa has a similar safety profile to epoetin. In addition to addressing a number of practical considerations relating to the use of darbepoetin alfa in clinical practice, this article also highlights principal findings from several key clinical studies.
The nature of touch therapy related to Ki: Practitioners’ perspective
Authors: Chang Sung Ok 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTouch therapy related to Ki, a type of healing touch, has been regarded as one of the distinct therapeutic modalities in traditional oriental medicine. The present study attempted to develop a substantive theory about helping patients using touch therapy related to Ki, by exploring the views of practitioners who are using this therapeutic modality within the context of the Korean society. A grounded theory approach was applied during the collection and analyses of data. The core category, main categories and trajectory of helping patients during the use of touch therapy related to Ki was delineated. Helping patients while using touch therapy related to Ki was found to be a dynamic process with each participant actively engaged in increasing the activating, potential power of the human being. These findings have value in understanding the embedded meaning of the healing process through touch therapy within the context of Ki.
Role of sociology within the nursing enterprise: Some reflections on the unfinished debate
Authors: Pinikahana Jaya 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe present paper reviews literature on the relevance of sociology to nursing in the context of arguments presented by Cooke, Sharp and Porter. It explores some of the arguments presented for and against sociology in nursing education. On a broader perspective, sociology inter alia, is at best worthwhile for nurses and is not as positively harmful as Sharp asserts. The discussion draws attention to the relevance of social theory for nursing practice. It is argued that almost all social theories have been widely applied in nursing research. The case for sociology as applied to nursing or nursing sociology versus general sociology for nurses was examined. This paper concludes in favor of the inclusion of sociology as applied to nursing in the nursing curriculum.
Essence of caring for a person dying
Authors: Johnson Amanda , Bourgeois Sharon 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe present paper aims to illustrate the essence of caring through the philosophical lens of palliative care gained from one family's experience within a home environment. The narrative used provided a vehicle through which a family member recalled the experience of caring for her mother, who was dying. The essence of caring is portrayed by the use of exemplars gained from the narrative situated within a palliative context depicting both the person dying and the carer's perspective. The narrative offers the opportunity to better understand cultural knowledge, history and social practices from the perspective of the family unit, and to understand how families might be best supported by health professionals engaged in care delivery. The commitment demonstrated by family members in caring for a family member dying is significant and needs to be more valued as a contribution to our understanding of this life event. From the analysis of this family's experience, health professionals are afforded an insight into the diversity of needs that encompass the essence of care being provided in the home. This opportunity allows health professionals to gain further insight into this significant life event, leading to an enhancement of their practice and enabling them to be better equipped to meet the individual needs of family units.
Tool to classify stool consistency: Content validity and use by persons of diverse cultures
Authors: Zimmaro Bliss Donna , Dhamani Khairunnisa A. , Savik Kay , Kirk Karen 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDeveloping and testing the quality of a research instrument, including its ability to be used by culturally diverse persons, is an important methodological objective. The present study determined the content validity and feasibility of culturally diverse persons to use an instrument to classify stool consistency that has been employed in research on fecal incontinence. Five multidisciplinary clinicians experienced in assessing stool consistency determined the tool to possess content validity. Twenty‐four foreign nationals of diverse cultures who spoke English as a second language (ESL) classified the consistency of nine stools using word only or word plus diagram descriptions. The agreement of the ratings of the participants were compared with the those of an experienced investigator. There was no significant difference between the ratings of participants using either type of description. There was good agreement between the classifications of the participants and those of the investigator. The findings of this study contribute to the quality of our instrument and support its use by culturally diverse persons.
Role stress and role ambiguity in new nursing graduates in Australia
Authors: Chang Esther , Hancock Karen 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe first few months of nursing have the potential to be the most challenging and stressful for new nursing graduates. The purpose of the present study was to examine sources of, and changes in, role stress 2–3 months after employment, and 11–12 months later in new graduate nurses. This study also investigated the relationship between job satisfaction and role stress. A factor analysis demonstrated that role ambiguity was the most salient feature of role stress in the first few months, while 10 months later, role overload was the most important factor explaining variance in role stress scores. There was no significant change in role stress scores over time. For the first survey, job satisfaction was significantly negatively correlated with role ambiguity and role stress. In the second survey there was still a significant negative correlation between role ambiguity and job satisfaction, but no significant correlation between role overload and job satisfaction. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for nursing education, practice and future research.
Satisfaction with child health services in the non‐government sector of Hong Kong: Consumer evaluation
Authors: Chan Sophia Siu‐chee , Twinn Sheila 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThere is increasing emphasis on community‐based health care. Evaluation of both government and non‐government maternal and child care services in Hong Kong is a key objective for future development. The Kwun Tong Community Health Project, one of the Government's subsidy services, aim is to help in the rapid growth of the community so as to recognize needs, and to resolve health care issues. The present paper examines the findings of a consumer evaluation of three community health centers in the Kwun Tong Community Health Project, regarding clients’ satisfaction towards the accessibility, information, use, medical consultation, perceptions of health problems of infants and cost of services provided. There was overall satisfaction expressed by the clients regarding health maintenance officers and the services provided. Provision of comprehensive family‐focused care, including child and women's health was highly recommended. Parents’ participation in decision‐making about care and discussion about the child's health care plan were recognized as important issues to consider. Provision of play facilities and more flexible hours of operation were found to be beneficial in improving client's satisfaction. Finally, continuing education of the health maintenance officers was recognized as pertinent for them to update their knowledge while providing health education to the clients.