bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syringe pumps take too long to give occlusion alarm
Authors: DÖNMEZ A. , ARAZ C. , KAYHAN Z. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  The aim of this study was to assess the time needed to trigger an occlusion alarm, and the influence of the type of infusion pump, type and size of the syringe, and the set infusion rate.Methods:  Forty syringe pumps (20 JMS SP‐100 and 20 JMS SP‐500 machines) were tested using two types (JMS® and Hayat®) and two sizes (20 and 50 ml) of syringes at four infusion rates (0.5, 1, 2 and 5 ml·h−1). Syringes filled with saline were occluded with a stopcock, and times to activation of the occlusion alarm were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U‐tests, P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:  The mean time to alarm activation was longer with lower infusion rates and larger syringes (P < 0.05). We recorded delays up to 117.3 ± 9.4 min with 50 ml syringe at 0.5 ml·h−1 and 15.0 ± 7.1 min at 5 ml·h−1. Syringe type had no effect on time to alarm activation (P > 0.05). The alarm on the JMS SP‐500 pump was activated faster than the JMS SP‐100 pump (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Our results showed that activation of occlusion alarms on both pumps takes a considerable time, and that the mean time to alarm activation was longer with low infusion rates and larger syringes. To reduce occlusion alarm delays smaller sized syringes with low compliance should be used and staff be alerted when using low flow rates with highly concentrated potent drugs.
Evaluation of satisfaction level by parents and children following pediatric anesthesia
Authors: IACOBUCCI TIZIANA , FEDERICO BRUNO , PINTUS CLAUDIO , DE FRANCISCI GIOVANNI 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground: Research in the field of patient satisfaction first took place in the 1980s in the USA, and later in Europe, aimed at meeting competitive requirements in the field of health care. Very few studies of this type exist in regard to pediatric anesthesia. Our aim was to develop a rapidly interpretable questionnaire to measure the level of parental satisfaction when their children undergo surgery and provide information on those factors triggering anxiety in these children.Methods: Over a period of 18 months 179 parents of children in pediatric surgery responded to 214 questionnaires designed to investigate principally the emotional/behavioral spheres as well as the comfort provided.Results and conclusions: We found that parents generally expressed a high degree of satisfaction which was good and correlated significantly with environmental comfort and postoperative observations performed by anesthetists and nursing staff. In the children, lack of fear at the moment of being anesthetized, and lack of anxiety on the day preceding surgery, were attributed to the serenity transmitted by the anesthetist and nurses. Significant anxiety resulted from the fear of an unpleasant impact with the operating room.
Pediatric intravenous paracetamol (propacetamol) pharmacokinetics: a population analysis1
Authors: ANDERSON BRIAN J. , PONS GERARD , AUTRET‐LECA ELISABETH , ALLEGAERT KAREL , BOCCARD ERIC 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  The aim of this study was to describe propacetamol pharmacokinetics in children in order to predict concentrations after a standard dosing regimen of propacetamol 30 mg·kg−1 (15 mg·kg−1 paracetamol) 6 h.Methods:  A population pharmacokinetic analysis of paracetamol time–concentration profiles (846 observations) from 144 children [postconception age (PCA) 27 weeks–14 years] was undertaken using nonlinear mixed effects models (nonmem). These data were taken from seven separate studies involving children given intravenous propacetamol. Time–concentration profiles (503 observations) from a further 86 children (PCA: 37 weeks–14 years) given paracetamol elixir orally were included in the analysis to assess relative bioavailability of intravenous propacetamol.Results:  A three‐compartment (depot, central and peripheral) linear disposition model fitted data better than a two‐compartment (depot and central) model. Population parameter estimates (between subject variability, %) were central volume (V2/Foral) 24 (55%) l · 70 kg−1, peripheral volume of distribution (V3/Foral) 30 (32%) l · 70 kg−1, clearance (CL/Foral) 16 (40%) l · h−1 · 70 kg−1 and intercompartment clearance (Q/Foral) 55 (116%) l · h−1 · 70 kg−1. Clearance increased from 27 weeks PCA (1.87 l·h−1 70 kg−1) to reach 84% of the mature value by 1 year of age (standardized to a 70 kg person using allometric ‘ power’ models). Peripheral volume of distribution decreased from 27 weeks PCA (45.0 l·70 kg−1) to reach 110% of its mature value by 6 months of age. Central volume of distribution and intercompartment clearance did not change with age. Between occasions variability for the peripheral volume of distribution (V3/Foral) and clearance (CL/Foral) were 18.5 and 19.3%, respectively. A rate constant representing hydrolysis of propacetamol to paracetamol (Ka 96 h−1) was size related, but not age related. The relative bioavailability of intravenous propacetamol compared with an oral elixir was 0.5.Conclusions:  A mean paracetamol serum concentration of 10 mg·l−1 is achieved in children 2–15 years given a standard dose of propacetamol 30 mg·kg−1 6 h. This concentration in the effect compartment is associated with a pain reduction of 2.6/10 after tonsillectomy and provides satisfactory analgesia for mild to moderate pain. Clearance is reduced in children less than 1 year of age and the target concentration of 10 mg·l−1 may be achieved by scaling this standard dose regimen using predicted clearance in this younger age group.
Liver cell lines for the study of hepatocyte functions and immunological response
Authors: Clayton Reginald F. , Rinaldi Angela , Kandyba Eve E. , Edward Mike , Willberg Christian , Klenerman Paul , Patel Arvind H. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:Background: Liver cell lines closely resembling primary hepatocyte are essential for research on hepatitis viruses and hepatocyte function. Currently used cell lines are derived from hepatic tumours and have altered gene expression.Aims: The generation and characterisation of novel human hepatocyte lines (HHLs) derived from healthy human liver, retaining the primary hepatocyte phenotype.Results: Primary hepatocytes were immortalised with Moloney's mouse leukaemia virus expressing E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomavirus, and cultures propagated long‐term. All HHLs contained markers of hepatocyte and biliary phenotype (cytokeratins 7, 8, 18 and 19), Cytochrome P450 and albumin. The HHLs did not express high levels of p53 or α‐fetoprotein. When grown in a collagen sandwich culture, or at the air–liquid interface, HHLs were maintained as monolayer whereas Huh‐7 and HepG2 formed thick layers. All HHLs showed increased capacity to bind recombinant hepatitis C virus‐like particles in comparison with Huh‐7 and HepG2. We also demonstrate that HHLs contained active gap junctions, and that the cells respond to stimulation with IFN‐α by upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I and ‐II.Conclusions: These HHLs retain primary hepatocyte phenotype and should be useful for investigating mechanisms of entry and replication of hepatotropic viruses, and should also be valuable in the study of hepatocyte biology and pathology.
Proposal for a histological scoring and grading system for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mendler Michel Henry , Kanel Gary , Govindarajan Sugantha 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Aim/Background: The spectrum of histopathological features in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been well described. At least two scoring systems have been established. We propose here a system in which numerical scores are obtained using the different features.Methods: Twenty‐five cases of well‐defined NAFLD were idengified. Two pathologists blinded to idengifiers and clinical data independently scored the liver biopsies twice for portal fibrosis (PF: 0–6), lobular inflammation and necrosis (LIN: 0–3), Mallory bodies (MB: 0–3), hepatocyte ballooning (HB: 0–3), perisinusoidal fibrosis (PSF: 0–3) and fatty change (FC: 1–4). The κ statistic tested observer concordance. Non‐parametric measures of correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to elaborate a grading system.Results: A broad spectrum of NAFLD was observed. Intra‐ and interobserver concordance was satisfactory. An activity score was created (AS: 0–12) as the sum of LIN, MB, HB and PSF, but not FC. A system for severity of NAFLD was developed: Grade 1 (PF: 0–2 and AS: 0–4), Grade 2 (PF: 3 or AS: 5–7) and Grade 3 (PF: 4–6 or AS: 8–12). Diabetes, elevated alkaline phosphatase and decreased platelets were associated with advanced grade.Conclusions: This simple, reproducible NAFLD score produces a three‐tier severity grade. This numerical system may prove useful in assessing disease severity and interval changes.
Influence of viral load and genotype in the progression of Hepatitis B‐associated liver cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mahmood Sabina , Niiyama Gouichi , Kamei Ayumi , Izumi Akiyoshi , Nakata Keiichi , Ikeda Hideji , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawanaka Miwa , Togawa Kazumi , Yamada Gotaro 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Aim/Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied the influence of HBV viral load on HCC occurrence in HBV related liver cirrhosis (LC).Patients and Methods: Ninety‐one LC patients were followed up over a period of 7 years. Twenty three patients received Interferon (IFN) therapy.Results: In 7 years, 23 patients developed HCC. Of them twenty‐two (95.6%) were of genotype C. HBV DNA was found to be the only significant variable associated with HCC occurrence on both univariate (P=0.029) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.33; P<0.033). The cumulative survival at 5 years was 83% and the annual rate of hepatitis B surface antigen clearance was 0.9 %. All of 17 HCC patients observed over a period of 5 years or more belonged to the continuously high HBV DNA group (annual average >3.7 log copies/ml) and all but one belonged to the continuously high alanine aminotransferase group (annual average >40 IU/l).Conclusion: Patients with genotype C and a continuously high HBV DNA for 5 years or more are at a high‐risk group for HCC development. Maintaining continuously low HBV DNA for 3 years or more with anti‐viral therapy, may be useful in preventing or delaying HCC occurrence.
High frequency of promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A in tumor and plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yeo Winnie , Wong Nathalie , Wong Wai‐Lap , Lai Paul B.S. , Zhong Sheng , Johnson Philip J. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the presence of ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) promoter methylation in the tumor tissues and plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Experimental Design: Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect RASSF1A methylation in DNA extracted from HCC tumors and paired plasma samples of 40 patients. The association of RASSF1A hypermethylation in tumor and plasma DNA of HCC patients with clinicopathological characteristics was also analyzed.Results: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation was detected in 37 of the 40 HCC tissues (92.5%). Of the paired plasma from the 40 HCC patients, aberrant methylation was detected in 17 (42.5%). No RASSF1A methylation was detected in the plasma in the absence of methylation in the corresponding tumor. The presence of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in plasma DNA was found to associate with HCC size of ≥4 cm (P=0.035).Conclusion: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation occurred at a high frequency in HCC. The aberrant methylation was also detectable in over 40% of matched plasma. The latter should be evaluated as a screening tool and/or prognosticator of HCC patients.
An unusual form of autoimmune hepatitis in young Somalian men
Authors: D'Souza R. , Sinnott P. , Glynn M. J. , Sabin C. A. , Foster G.R. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:Background: Significant diversity in disease severity has been identified for autoimmune disorders among different ethnic groups. Current knowledge of both the natural history and management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been derived from European or Japanese patients, and there is limited information about the disease in patients from other ethnic groups.Aims: To assess the clinical, histological and immunological features of AIH in patients from Somalia and to determine their response to therapy.Methods: Retrospective review of a cohort of young Somalian men with atypical AIH compared with a control group of European patients.Results: The six Somalian men were younger at presentation (median age 37 (range 24–59) years) than the seven female and three male European controls (55 (34–54) years, P=0.06). The Somalians had slightly more severe disease at presentation–median modified Ishak stage of 2.5 compared with 2 in Europeans (P=0.61) and four (66%) had features of cholestasis compared with only one (10%) European patient (P=0.04). Therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine was completely effective for eight of 10 Europeans but only one of seven Somalians (P=0.04). Analysis of human leucocyte antigen types revealed differences between the Somalian and European patients, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions: Somalian men with AIH present with cholestatic features and respond poorly to standard immunosuppressive regimes.
Long‐term outcome of interferon‐α‐induced autoimmune thyroid disorders in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Doi Fumina , Kakizaki Satoru , Takagi Hitoshi , Murakami Masami , Sohara Naondo , Otsuka Toshiyuki , Abe Takehiko , Mori Masatomo 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background: Autoimmune thyroid disorders are among the well‐known adverse effects of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, there are few reports regarding the long‐term outcome of this complication. We aimed to evaluate the natural history of IFN‐α‐induced autoimmune thyroid disorders with long‐term follow‐up.Methods: Four hundred and thirty‐nine patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with IFN‐α for 24 weeks between March 1993 and April 1998. Seventeen of 439 (3.9%) patients developed symptomatic autoimmune thyroid disorders including nine cases of hyperthyroidism and eight cases of hypothyroidism. The patients with hypothyroidism were all women. These 17 patients were followed up for 71.1±17.8 months (48–120 months) and were evaluated for long‐term outcome.Results: Eight patients could discontinue the thyroid medication (2–36 months, median 10 months). Nine patients needed the thyroid medication at the follow‐up period. The patients with hyperthyroidism who needed long‐term thyroid medication had a significantly high titer of TSH receptor antibody on onset compared with the patients who could discontinue the thyroid medication. There were no significant differences in age, type of IFN, duration from IFN administration to onset, cessation of IFN, genotype of hepatitis C virus and thyroid hormone levels on onset between the patients who needed long‐term thyroid medication and the patients who could discontinue the thyroid medication.Conclusion: All patients with IFN‐α‐induced thyroid disorders could be controlled with medication. However, the IFN‐α‐induced thyroid disorders are not always reversible. One must be careful about not only the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders during IFN‐α therapy but also the outcome of the thyroid disease.
The role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of systemic and splanchnic vasodilation in cirrhotic rats before and after the onset of ascites
Authors: Angeli Paolo , Fernández‐Varo Guillermo , Dalla Libera Virna , Fasolato Silvano , Galioto Alessandra , Arroyo Vicente , Sticca Antonietta , Guarda Silvia , Gatta Angelo , Jiménez Wladimiro 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:Background: The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of splanchnic arterial vasodilation in cirrhosis has been recently debated by some experimental studies.Aims: We investigated the role of NO in the pathogenesis of the splanchnic arterial vasodilation along the course of CCl4‐induced experimental cirrhosis.Methods: We analyzed the effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and resistance in the superior mesenteric artery (RSMA), before and after the administration of a unspecific NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl‐ester, l‐NAME) and a specific NOS2 inhibitor (l‐N‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐lysine, l‐NIL) to cirrhotic rats with and without ascites, and to control rats. NOS2 and NOS3 protein expression was also assessed in systemic and splanchnic arteries of these animals.Results: l‐NAME in cirrhotic rats markedly improved MAP, and TPR and decreased CO regardless of whether they had ascites or not. l‐NIL did not produce any significant effect on systemic haemodynamics in control and cirrhotic rats. NOS3 overexpression in the aorta of cirrhotic animals paralleled the progression of the liver disease. l‐NAME increased RSMA in cirrhotic rats, but this effect was much less intense in rats with ascites. l‐NIL had an effect only on RSMA in rats with ascites, which was of a similar extent to that produced by l‐NAME. Western blot experiment showed a faint overexpression of NOS3 in the mesenteric artery of cirrhotic rats with and without ascites and a clear induction of NOS2 only in the mesenteric artery of rats with ascites.Conclusions: These results indicate that NO contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of arterial splanchnic circulation in the early stages of experimental cirrhosis but has only a minor role in its maintenance after the development of ascites. Furthermore, the expression of the different NOS isoforms varies along the course of the liver disease.
Effects of prior splenectomy on remnant liver after partial hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver in rats
Authors: Ito Koji , Ozasa Hisashi , Horikawa Saburo 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: In the case of the liver resection, the temporary occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament (Pringle maneuver) is often used. However, the maneuver causes hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury that strongly affects the recovery of patients.The present study investigated the effects of prior splenectomy on the remnant liver in partial hepatectomized rat with Pringle maneuver.Methods: Pringle maneuver was conducted just before a two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. Efficacy of splenectomy was assessed by survival rate, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutrophil infiltration into liver, recovery of remnant liver weight, and liver proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. Ischemic preconditioning was performed as follows; 10 min of total hepatic ischemia followed by 10 min of reperfusion.Results: In partial hepatectomized rats with 30 min of Pringle maneuver, seven out of 12 rats died within 3 days. On the other hand, when splenectomy was performed on 3 days before the maneuver, only one out of 12 rats died. When prior splenectomy was performed on eight and 18 days before the Pringle maneuver, respectively, similar efficacy was observed. In addition, prior splenectomy on 3 days before the maneuver showed that serum ALT activity, neutrophil infiltration, recovery of remnant liver weight, and PCNA levels in partial hepatectomized rats with Pringle maneuver were also ameliorated as compared with those of control rats without splenectomy. When effects of prior splenectomy were compared with those of ischemic preconditioning in these situations, efficacy of prior splenectomy was comparable with that of the ischemic preconditioning.Conclusions: Prior splenectomy ameliorated the I/R injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver. Effects of prior splenectomy may influence the liver for long duration, because splenectomy on 18 days before the maneuver still exerts effective action.
Decreased expression and frequent allelic inactivation of the RUNX3 gene at 1p36 in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Nomoto Shuji , Koshikawa Katsumi , Fujii Tsutomu , Sakai Mitsuru , Nishikawa Yoko , Inoue Soichiro , Takeda Shin , Kaneko Tetsuya , Nakao Akimasa 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:Background/aims: Alteration in transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway is one of the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The human runt‐related transcription factor 3 gene (RUNX3) is an important component of this pathway. RUNX3 locus 1p36 is commonly deleted in a variety of human cancers, including HCC. Therefore, we examined genetic and epigenetic alterations of RUNX3 in human HCC.Methods: Five HCC cell lines and 41 patients with HCC were investigated in this study. We examined the expression of RUNX3 mRNA, methylation status of RUNX3 promoter region, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 1p36, and mutation analysis. These results were compared with clinicopathological data.Results: Promoter hypermethylation was detected in four (80%) of five HCC cell lines and 31 (75.6%) of 41 HCC tissues, confirmed by sequence of bisulfite‐treated DNA. LOH was detected in 14 (37.8%) of 37 HCC. By comparison with clinicopathological data, hypermethylation was more common in hepatitis C virus antibody and formation of capsule‐positive cases, and decrease of expression was correlated strongly with advanced stage and LOH‐detected cases.Conclusion: Hypermethylation and LOH appear to be common mechanisms for inactivation of RUNX3 in HCC. Therefore, RUNX3 may be an important tumor suppressor gene related to hepatocarcinogenesis.
Genetic relationship of feed efficiency traits of bulls with growth and carcass traits of their progeny for Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle
Authors: HOQUE Md Azharul , HIRAMOTO Keiji , OIKAWA Takuro 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTGenetic parameters for feed efficiency traits of 740 Wagyu bulls and growth and carcass traits of 591 of their progeny, and the genetic relationship between the traits of bulls and their progeny were estimated with the residual maximum likelihood procedure. The estimations were made for the test periods of 140 days (77 bulls), 112 days (663 bulls) and 364 days (591 steer progeny). Feed efficiency traits of bulls included feed conversion ratio (FCR), phenotypic residual feed intake (RFIphe) and genetic residual feed intake (RFIgen). Progeny traits were bodyweight at the start of the test (BWS), bodyweight at finish (BWF), average daily gain (ADG), rib eye area (REA), marbling score (MSR), dressing percentage (DRS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). The estimated heritability for MSR (0.52) was high and for BWS (0.35), BWF (0.40) and ADG (0.30) were moderate, whereas REA, DRS and SFT were low. Positive genetic correlations among BWS, BWF, ADG and SFT and negative genetic correlations between MSR and DRS and between REA and SFT were found. The genetic correlations between residual feed intake (RFIphe and RFIgen) of bulls and bodyweights (BWS and BWF) of their progeny ranged from −0.27 to −0.61. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with REA and DRS and negatively correlated with MSR and SFT. No responses in ADG and weakly correlated responses in REA and DRS of progeny were found to select against feed efficiency traits of bulls. The present experiment provides evidence that selection against lower RFI (higher feed efficiency) would be better than selection against lower FCR for getting better correlated responses in bodyweights.