bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a major QTL for scab resistance with SSR markers and use of marker‐assisted selection in wheat
Authors: Zhou W‐C. , Kolb F. L. , Bai G‐H. , Domier L. L. , Boze L. K. , Smith N. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to validate the major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for scab resistance on the short arm of chromosome 3B in bread wheat and to isolate near‐isogenic lines for this QTL using marker‐assisted selection (MAS). Two resistant by susceptible populations, both using ‘Ning7840’ as the source of resistance, were developed to examine the effect of the 3BS QTL in different genetic backgrounds. Data for scab resistance and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the resistance QTL were analyzed in the F2:3 lines of one population and in the F3:4 lines of the other. Markers linked to the major QTL on chromosome 3BS in the original mapping population (‘Ning7840’/‘Clark’) were closely associated with scab resistance in both validation populations. Marker‐assisted selection for the QTL with the SSR markers combined with phenotypic selection was more effective than selection based solely on phenotypic evaluation in early generations. Marker‐assisted selection of the major QTL during the seedling stage plus phenotypic selection after flowering effectively identified scab resistant lines in this experiment. Near‐isogenic lines for this 3BS QTL were isolated from the F6 generation of the cross ‘Ning7840’/‘IL89‐7978’ based on two flanking SSR markers, Xgwm389 and Xbarc147. Based on these results, MAS for the major scab resistance QTL can improve selection efficiency and may facilitate stacking of scab resistance genes from different sources.
Insemination of Susceptible Heifers with Semen from a Non‐Viraemic Bull with Persistent Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus Infection Localized in the Testes
Authors: Niskanen R , Alenius S , Belák K , Baule C , Belák S , Voges H , Gustafsson H 
Published: March 2003

ContentsBulls shedding bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in semen and simultaneously having a high concentration of circulating antibodies may cause reproductive problems and spread the viral infection within cattle populations. To investigate this in detail, three heifers were inseminated with BVDV‐infected semen from a non‐viraemic, seropositive Holstein–Friesian bull, named `Cumulus'. One control heifer was inseminated with semen from a healthy bull that was free of BVDV. All four heifers remained clinically healthy throughout the experiment. The conception succeeded in the control animal and in two of the three heifers inseminated with semen containing BVDV. The heifer with the failed conception was the only one that became systemically infected with BVDV. This animal was deemed non‐pregnant by ultrasonic examination on day 34 after insemination and showed no signs of subsequent oestrus during the entire experimental period. At slaughter, 42 days after insemination, there were no histopathological changes in the ovaries and virus was not detected in ovarian tissue. The fact that seronegative dams served with semen from persistently infected bulls have occasionally produced persistently infected calves together with the present findings and the fact that non‐viraemic, seropositive bulls can constantly shed BVDV, suggest that the use of semen from such bulls in BVDV‐free herds could have far‐reaching consequences, especially if it led to the birth of persistently infected (P1) calves.
New Strategies to Prevent Mastitis
Authors: Pyörälä S 
Published: March 2003

ContentsBovine mastitis remains as the disease causing the biggest economic losses to the dairy industry, despite the intensive research and prevention measures at herd level carried out for decades. Antibiotics are widely used to combat mastitis, but focus should be shifted from treatment to more economical and efficient prevention. The bacteriological aetiology of mastitis has changed from contagious to environmental pathogens, which has reduced the efficacy of the traditional mastitis control strategies. Considerable progress in the understanding of epidemiology, immunology, diagnostics and pathogenesis of mastitis has been made. The modern molecular biological methods offer good possibilities for the research of the epidemiological and virulence aspects of bacteria, which may help in building‐up specific mastitis control strategies for dairy herds. Studies on the host response and relationship between somatic cell count and susceptibility to mastitis offer tools for genetic improvement of dairy cows. Biotechnological approaches for mastitis prevention are in the developmental stage, but many problems are associated, e.g. with vaccination of dairy cows against mastitis. Different methods of immunomodulation for the prevention of mastitis have shown promise in experimental trials, but the evidence is not yet enough to support commercial applications. Improving nutrition, housing and environment of dairy cattle are still crucial in the prevention of mastitis, especially during the most susceptible period after parturition. New milking techniques including robotic milking may provide better possibility for proper milking and improved udder health. Mastitis control should be part of the herd health programme in the dairy herds. In this paper, results from recent research and proposals for new prevention strategies in the field of mastitis are reviewed.
Owning their expertise: Why nurses use ‘no suicide contracts’ rather than their own assessments
Authors: Farrow Tony L. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: ‘No suicide contracts’ (NSCs) are a tool commonly used by nurses in community crisis situations. At times this tool is utilized because the clinician believes that it is beneficial. However, there are other occasions when NSCs are introduced in a manner that runs counter to the clinical judgement of the crisis nurse. This paper discusses the results of a qualitative study that addressed the question of why nurses use NSCs in such situations, rather than relying on their own expertise. This analysis suggests that underlying concerns of clinicians can detrimentally affect decision‐making in such circumstances, and recommends that rather than subjugating nursing expertise, underlying issues be addressed directly.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: ANGULO PAUL , LINDOR KEITH D 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects a high proportion of the world’s population. Insulin resistance and oxidative stress play a critical role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Clinical, biochemical and imaging studies are of value in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with NAFLD, but liver biopsy remains the most sensitive and specific means of providing important diagnostic and prognostic information. Simple steatosis has the best prognosis within the spectrum of NAFLD, but NAFLD has the potential to progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and even cirrhosis. No effective medical therapy is currently available for all patients with NAFLD. In patients with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, appropriate metabolic control is always recommended, but rarely effective in resolving the liver disease. Weight reduction, when achieved and sustained, may improve the liver disease, although the results with weight loss have been inconsistent. Pharmacological therapy aimed at the underlying liver disease holds promise. Several medications with different mechanisms of action and potential benefit are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Liver transplantation is a life‐extending therapeutic alternative for patients with end‐stage NAFLD, but NAFLD may recur after liver transplantation.
Paracetamol overdose in a liver transplantation centre: An 8‐year experience
Authors: Gow Paul J , Angus Peter W 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Paracetamol is a readily available, widely used analgesic that can cause serious hepatic injury when taken in overdose. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of attendance at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre for paracetamol overdose, the frequency of referral to the Victorian liver transplant unit after serious overdoses, the morbidity and mortality rates in all patients treated and the appropriateness of treatment.
Methods
: A review of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre medical records and of the Vic‐torian liver transplant unit database of all patients attending because of paracetamol overdose from 1988–1995 was undertaken. One hundred and fifty‐two patients (103 females, 49 males) files were reviewed.
Results
: One hundred and thirty‐one patients presented directly from the community and 21 were referred specifically for consideration for possible tranplantation. The most important predictor of liver injury was time between overdose and arrival at hospital (P < 0.01). Thirteen patients developed fulminant hepatic failure, one of whom received a liver transplant; this patient died post‐transplantation and was the only death in the series.
Conclusions
: We found that serious liver injury following overdose was uncommon, liver transplantation was rarely needed and death was rare. Although inappropriate delay in instituting N‐acetylcysteine treatment after admission to hospital or failure to treat still occurred in a number of cases, delay in presentation to hospital was the main predictor of liver damage.
Duplex Doppler sonography in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome
Authors: Chawla Yogesh , Kumar Sanjay , Dhiman Radha K , Suri Sudha , Dilawari Jang B 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Angiography has been the mainstay for diagnosis of Budd–Chiari syndrome even though other modalities are increasingly being used. We have evaluated our findings of duplex Doppler sonography (DDS) in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome.
Methods
: Duplex Doppler sonography was performed in 37 consecutive angiographically proven patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome.
Results
: Real time ultrasonography showed abnormalities of right, middle and left hepatic veins (HV) in 21, 15 and 18 patients, respectively. Duplex Doppler sonography showed abnormal flow patterns in 37, 22 and 31 patients in the right, middle and left HV, respectively, thereby increasing the diagnostic yield by 40%. An abnormal waveform in one or more HV was present in all 37 patients. Uniphasic flow was the commonest abnormality and was seen in 22, nine and 14 patients, respectively, in the right, middle and left HV, while there was no flow in five, four and seven patients in the right, middle and left HV, respectively. Intrahepatic collaterals were seen in 35 of 37 patients (94.6%). Hepatopetal flow was found in the portal vein of 21 of 23 patients (91.3%), while flow was hepatofugal in one and portal vein thrombosis was found in another.
Conclusion
: Duplex Doppler sonography is a useful procedure which helps in the diagnosis of patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome.
The haemochromatosis gene: A global perspective and implications for the Asia–Pacific region
Authors: Mortimore Marianne , Merryweather‐Clarke Alison T , Robson Kathryn Jh , Powell Lawrie W 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMutations in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene cause most of the cases of hereditary haemochromatosis among people of Northern European ancestry while remaining a rare cause of iron overload among indigenous persons of the Asia–Pacific region. Advances in understanding of the role of the HFE protein product and other recently cloned iron transporters signify an exciting period, as previously unknown components of the iron metabolism pathway are revealed one by one. Epidemiological studies have shown that this gene is more widespread than its phenotypic expression would suggest and that the heterozygous state may be implicated in the expression of other diseases of the liver such as porphyria cutanea tarda, hepatitis C virus infection and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. The diagnosis, management and ethical implications for clinical practice in the aftermath of this discovery are discussed.
Vaccination against hepatitis B: Current challenges for Asian countries and future directions
Authors: Safary Assad , Beck Janice 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Aims
: To review the current status of hepatitis B immunization programmes as well as future issues concerning hepatitis B immunization in Asian countries.
Methods
: Pertinent literature was identified via in‐house and MEDLINE (1980–99) searches and references cited in published articles. Articles within the Proceedings of the IX Triennial International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease provided valuable state‐of‐the‐art resource data.
Results
: Chronic hepatitis B infection is responsible for 75–90% of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the 10 most common cancers worldwide. Hepatitis B and its chronic sequelae can potentially be eradicated through vaccines that have been shown to be 95–99% efficacious in preventing development of the disease or the carrier state in immunized infants. Approximately 75% of the world’s hepatitis B carriers live in Asian countries wherein wide variations in immunization strategies exist. Vaccination programmes in hyperendemic Asian countries have elicited decreases in the incidence of acute and chronic infections as well as a decrease in chronic carriers in the unvaccinated population. Decreases in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma have been recorded in Taiwan and Singapore after at least 10 years of universal hepatitis B immunization programmes.
Conclusions
: In Asian countries currently without nationwide hepatitis B programmes, utilization of the existing vaccination infrastructure for administration of other World Health Organization Expanded Programme on Immunization vaccines will provide the most economical and efficient means of administration of the hepatitis B vaccine.
Oesophageal cavernous haemangioma diagnosed histologically, not by endoscopic procedures
Authors: Tominaga Kazunari , Arakawa Tetsuo , Ando Kenji , Umeda Syugo , Shiba Masatsugu , Suzuki Noriko , Watanabe Toshio , Takaishi Osamu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Uchida Toshiyuki , Fukuda Takashi , Higuchi Kazuhide , Kuroki Tetsuo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHaemangioma of the oesophagus is uncommon in patients with benign oesophageal tumours. We present a patient with an oesophageal haemangioma detected during mass screening of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The patient, a 59‐year‐old man, had neither abdominal complaints nor a history of gastrointestinal diseases. Endoscopic examination revealed a blue‐coloured submucosal tumour (approximately 3 cm in diameter) at the middle portion of oesophagus. Endoscopic Doppler ultrasonography showed an homogeneous and hypoechoic mass without blood flow in the submucosal layer of the oesophagus. However, a magnetic resonance imaging scan did not give a typical image for oesophageal haemangioma. Therefore, partial resection of the tumour was performed to obtain a differential diagnosis using the procedures of endoscopic ligation and polypectomy. Histological examination of the resected tissue showed a cavernous haemangioma in the oesophagus. This endoscopic technique may be useful for the differential diagnosis of oesophageal haemangioma.
Autoimmune pancreatitis detected as a mass in the tail of the pancreas
Authors: Taniguchi Takao , Seko Shuji , Azuma Katsumi , Tamegai Michiko , Nishida Osamu , Inoue Fumihiko , Okamoto Motozumi , Mizumoto Takashi , Kobayashi Hisato 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA mass in the tail of the pancreas was detected in a 62‐year‐old male patient who had hypergammaglobulinaemia, and was positive for antinuclear antigen and anti‐SS‐A antibody. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed focal irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in the tail of the pancreas. Dynamic computed tomography showed swelling of the pancreatic tail, which was enhanced on delayed phase. Autoimmune pancreatitis was suspected and corticosteroid therapy was commenced. This led to significant resolution of the pancreatic stricture. It is important to recognize this clinical entity as corticosteroid therapy may avoid unnecessary surgery.
Natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults with emphasis on the occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chu Chia‐Ming 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe natural course of perinatally acquired hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has three phases. In the first ‘immune tolerance phase’, patients are HBeAg positive and have high serum levels of HBV DNA, but have no symptoms, normal ALT levels and minimal histological activity. The second ‘immune clearance phase’ usually occurs between 15 and 35 years of age, during which HBV replication declines, accompanied by increased serum ALT levels and inflammatory activity in the liver; HBeAg to anti‐HBe seroconversion is then observed, frequently preceded by a flare of the ALT level. The average rate of spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion is 10% per year. In the third ‘low‐replicative phase’, serum HBsAg persists, but HBeAg is no longer detectable and HBV DNA can only be detected by PCR assay. During this phase, patients are usually asymptomatic and liver disease is inactive; some patients, however, may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ultimate outcome of chronic HBV infection appears to depend on the duration and severity of liver injury during the immune clearance phase. About 2.1% of patients with chronic type B hepatitis develop cirrhosis each year. Patients who have a severe acute exacerbation complicated by subacute hepatic failure or who have recurrent episodes of acute exacerbations with bridging hepatic necrosis are more likely to develop cirrhosis. A significant proportion of those with HBsAg eventually develop HCC; they have a 100‐fold increased risk of HCC relative to those without. The development of HCC, however, is closely related to the severity of the underlying liver disease. The annual incidence of HCC is only 0.1% in asymptomatic HBsAg individual, 1% in patients with chronic hepatitis B, but increases to 3–10% in patients with cirrhosis. Some anti‐HBe‐positive patients continue to have active liver disease and they should be tested for HBV DNA by hybridization assay to determine whether the disease results from replicative precore mutant HBV infection or other causes of liver disease, such as superinfection with HCV and HDV. A substantial number of apparently healthy HBV‐infected individuals are first recognized when they present with episodes of acute hepatitis. About 30% of these cases could be attributed to other hepatotropic virus superinfection. Acute viral hepatitis in patients with concurrent HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of fulminant hepatic failure. Finally, HBsAg disappears from serum in about 1% of patients each year. HCV superinfection can enhance the termination of HBsAg positivity. HCV, however, replaces HBV as the dominant cause of chronic viral hepatitis. The outcome of HBV‐infected persons with ‘spontaneous’ seroclearance of HBsAg is usually favourable, though progress to cirrhosis and HCC is still possible.
Indications for liver transplantation for chronic viral hepatitis, and therapies for controlling hepatitis B virus infection before and after transplantation
Authors: M Geoffrey W 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe general indications for liver transplantation in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the issues surrounding treatment for HBV infection in the pre‐ and post‐transplant periods, are discussed. In general, transplantation is reserved for patients with end‐stage liver failure secondary to cirrhosis and a small population with acute liver failure. It is proposed that certain guidelines can be developed and that these should include any one of the following: a Child‐Pugh score ≥ 9, diuretic resistant ascites, recurrent portal hypertensive bleeding, recurrent encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and the development of a small hepatocellular cancer (≤ 5 cm in diameter). Treatment for HBV infection now includes lamivudine therapy pre and post transplantation together with hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Such an approach has virtually abolished recurrence of HBV infection following liver transplantation.
Gastroallergic anisakiasis: Findings in 22 patients
Authors: López‐Serrano Maria Concepción , Gomez Alicia Alonso , Daschner Alvaro , Moreno‐Ancillo Alvaro , De Parga José M Suarez , Caballero Maria Teresa , Barranco Pilar , Cabañas Rosario 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Ingestion of Anisakidae larvae in raw seafood may cause anisakiasis. However, despite the high level of consumption of seafood in Spain, only a few cases of anisakiasis have been reported until now. Anisakis simplex can cause allergic reactions in sensitized patients as a result of its parasitism in the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical findings in 22 patients with gastroallergic anisakiasis.
Methods
: Patients with allergic and/or gastric symptoms after seafood ingestion were evaluated in the emergency room of the La Paz General University Hospital. Skin testing for Anisakis simplex and tests on the implicated seafood were performed and amounts of serum‐specific immunoglobulin E were assessed. A gastroscopy was performed in those patients with severe allergic or/and persistent gastric symptoms after ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood.
Results
: Twenty‐two patients were diagnosed with gastroallergic anisakiasis in 1 year. Most patients presented to the emergency room of our hospital with allergic symptoms. Gastric symptoms were usually moderate. Gastroscopy revealed local mucosal oedema and gastric erosion at the point of fixation. Two or more worms were detected in three patients. The mean time of latency of allergic symptoms was 5 h, while the mean time for gastric symptoms was 3 h.
Conclusion
: Anisakis simplex parasitism was the causative agent of allergic and gastric symptoms. Gastroallergic anisakiasis appears to be a relatively common disease, that may have been underdiagnosed.
Clinical and haemodynamic aspects of hepatopulmonary syndrome in Indian patients with cirrhosis
Authors: De Binay K , Sen Sambit , Biswas Pranab K , Biswas Jayanta , Maity Ajit K 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Hepatopulmonary syndrome consists of the triad of hepatic dysfunction and/or portal hypertension, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and hypoxaemia, in the absence of detectable primary cardiopulmonary diseases. In the present study, we examined the frequency of hepatopulmonary syndrome among Indian patients with cirrhosis, and studied clinical predictors and pulmonary haemodynamic alterations.
Methods
: Forty‐five patients with cirrhosis and no cardiopulmonary diseases were investigated by air‐contrast echocardiography. Where patients were positive, arterial blood gas analysis was carried out. Positive contrast echocardiography with Po2 < 70 mmHg confirmed the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome. Three cases with the syndrome and 24 without were assessed for haemodynamic status by hepatic and pulmonary catheterization.
Results
: Four of 45 cases of cirrhosis (8.9%) had positive contrast echocardiographies, including three (6.7%) with hepatopulmonary syndrome and one ‘subclinical’ case (positive contrast echocardiography without hypoxaemia). Under haemodynamic study, the mean pulmonary arterial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures appeared to be lower among those patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Conclusions
: In this small study, the frequency of hepatopulmonary syndrome was relatively low (6.7%). Cyanosis was the only reliable clinical indicator, and there was no clear relationship with the severity of cirrhosis by Child’s grading.