bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of endotoxin pretreatment on hepatic stellate cell response to ethanol and acetaldehyde
Authors: Quiroz Silvia C , Bucio Leticia , Souza Verónica , Hernández Elizabeth , González Elvira , GÓmez‐Quiroz Luis , Kershenobich David , Vargas‐Vorackova Florencia , Gutiérrez‐Ruiz MA. Concepción 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:The role of endotoxin in alcohol‐induced liver damage is well recognized. How pre‐exposure to endotoxin might affect alcohol injury is not known. We herein studied the effect of endotoxin pretreatment on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) response to ethanol and acetaldehyde.Methods:Rat HSC (CFSC‐2G) were exposed to media supplemented with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This was followed by a 24 h exposure to media containing LPS plus 50 mmol/L ethanol or 175 μmol/L acetaldehyde. Lipid peroxidation, collagen, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 secretion were determined at the end of both periods of exposure.Results:Lipopolysaccharide pretreatment did not modify lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol or acetaldehyde alone. Glutathione (GSH) content decreased to 4.2 ± 0.5 and 16.3 ± 0.8 nmol protein after exposure to ethanol or acetaldehyde alone, and decreased further with LPS pretreatment (2.4 ± 0.2 and 2.7 ± 0.3 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Oxidized GSH (GSSG) content increased in ethanol and acetaldehyde LPS‐pretreated cells only. Collagen secretion increased to 988 ± 82 and 1169 ± 91 μg/106 cells after exposure to acetaldehyde or LPS alone. Lipopolysaccharide pretreatment enhanced collagen secretion significantly in both ethanol‐ and acetaldehyde‐treated cells (969 ± 56 and 1360 ± 72 μg/106 cells, respectively). Interleukin‐6 production increased to 288 ± 48, 1195 ± 86 and 247 ± 35 pg/mL per 106 cells after ethanol, acetaldehyde and LPS exposure, and increased further with LPS pretreatment in ethanol‐exposed cells (680 ± 23 pg/mL 106 cells).Conclusion:Lipopolysaccharide pretreatment of HSC adds to the damage produced by ethanol and acetaldehyde by diminishing GSH content and increasing GSSG content, collagen and IL‐6 secretion.
Recurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma following initial remission by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization1
Authors: LEE JAE KYUN , CHUNG YOUNG‐HWA , SONG BYUNG‐CHEOL , SHIN JUNG WOO , CHOI WON‐BEOM , YANG SOO HYUN , YOON HYUN‐KI , SUNG KYU‐BO , LEE YUNG SANG , SUH DONG JIN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims: The aim of this study was: (i) to define the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with recurrences following initial remission by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE); (ii) to evaluate the patterns of recurrences; and (iii) find a better surveillance method of detecting recurrent HCC.Methods: Out of 230 consecutive HCC patients who underwent TACE, 77 with initial remission were followed prospectively for at least 12 months. We compared the recurrence rates according to the characteristics of the tumors and analyzed the locations of the recurrent HCC. The diagnostic efficacies of CT scans with serum AFP, angiography and Lipiodol CT scan in detecting recurrent HCC were also evaluated.Results: Recurrent HCC was detected in 40 patients during a median period of 27 months. The recurrence rate of multinodular HCC was higher than the single nodular type. All six patients with portal vein thrombosis recurred. Even though 45% of recurrences were adjacent to original tumors, 63% were separated from them (8% at both). Hepatocellular carcinoma with heterogeneous Lipiodol uptake tended to recur at the site adjacent to the original tumors more frequently than HCC with homogeneous Lipiodol uptake. Only 18 of 40 recurrent HCC were initially detected by serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and CT scans: 19 by angiography and three only by Lipiodol CT scan.Conclusion: Our data indicated that HCC of the multinodular type and with portal vein thrombosis recur more frequently following initial remission by TACE. It is also suggested that regular angiography in addition to serum AFP and CT scan may be valuable in detecting recurrent HCC. Other treatment modalities may need to be combined to ablate tumors completely and to therefore reduce recurrences, especially in HCC with heterogeneous Lipiodol uptake.
Transplantation for cystic fibrosis: Outcome following early liver transplantation
Authors: MILKIEWICZ PIOTR , SKIBA GRZEGORZ , KELLY DEIRDRE , WELLER PETER , BONSER ROBERT , GUR UFUK , MIRZA DARIUS , BUCKELS JOHN , STABLEFORTH DAVID , ELIAS ELWYN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim Life expectancy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has recently improved due to numerous factors, including a multidisciplinary approach to their management. Prolonged survival may have led to an increasing impact of liver disease on the prognosis of CF patients. The aim of this study was to assess the role of liver transplantation in patients with CF.Methods The factors influencing outcome in 24 patients (15 adults and nine children) with CF who have received single liver transplantation, triple heart‐lung‐liver transplantation (tx) or died while being assessed for triple grafting, were analyzed.Results Median age at tx in single liver recipients (13 years) was lower than in triple graft recipients (21 years) and those who died (23 years). All patients who received single liver tx made an excellent recovery, including significant improvement of their respiratory function (mean forced vital capacity (FVC) increased from 61% before transplantation to 82% of expected, 6–9 months after tx). Four out of five patients who received triple tx died (0–2 months) after operation. On the basis of our retrospective review, we propose modifications to an existing scoring system for liver tx assessment in CF by scoring additional points for elevated white blood count, bilirubin, and impaired pulmonary function. These changes will need to be evaluated prospectively to confirm their predictive value.Conclusions Liver transplantation is effective therapy in young patients with cystic fibrosis, portal hypertension and hepatic dysfunction, and is indicated before a critical stage of deteriorating lung function is reached. In patients with both end‐stage liver and lung disease, triple tx has a poor prognosis. Pre‐emptive liver tx in younger patients with CF not only has a better outcome but improves lung function.
Correlation between serum levels of interleukin‐6 and vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shih‐Pei , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Yang Chang‐Shiu , Kuo Min‐Liang , Lin Jaw‐Town 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aim:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) are associated with the disease status of gastric carcinoma. However, their relationship remains unclear. This study aims to determine and correlate serum levels of VEGF and IL‐6 in gastric carcinoma.
Methods:
A total of 107 patients receiving gastrectomy entered this study. Serum levels of VEGF and IL‐6 were measured by using ELISA, and were analyzed by using the Student's t‐test to compare means and by Pearson correlation analysis to calculate correlation coefficients with respect to pathological characteristics including depth of tumor invasion, Laurén's classification, tumor location, Borrmann classification, and the status of lymph node metastasis.
Results:
Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with mixed type carcinoma (387.5 ± 176.9 vs 255.3 ± 154.1 pg/mL, P = 0.047) or lymph node metastasis (339.1 ± 205.1 vs 223.2 ± 197.4 pg/mL, P = 0.007). Serum IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with Borrmann type IV carcinoma, compared with Borrmann type II and III carcinoma. In general, no correlation was noted between serum VEGF levels and IL‐6 levels (r = 0.142, P = 0.145), but significant correlation was found in patients with early gastric carcinoma (r = 0.627, P = 0.004) or mixed type carcinoma (r = 0.804, P = 0.016).
Conclusions:
This study supports the correlation between serum VEGF and IL‐6 levels in distinct subsets of gastric carcinoma patients, and indicates that IL‐6 may play a role for the angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma via modulation of VEGF.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Psychosocial factors and childhood recurrent abdominal pain
Authors: BOEY CHRISTOPHER CHIONG‐MENG , GOH KHEAN‐LEE 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Recurrent abdominal pain in children is not a single condition but a description of a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, some of which fit into a definite pattern, such as the irritable bowel syndrome, while others do not. Organic disorders may be present, but in the majority of children they cannot be detected. Although children with recurrent abdominal pain do not generally have psychological or psychiatric illness, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that psychosocial stress plays an important role in this condition. This review will look into some of this evidence. The precise pathophysiology that results in abdominal pain is still not clearly understood, but the current belief is that visceral hypersensitivity or hyperalgesia and changes in the brain–gut axis linking the central and enteric nervous systems are important mechanisms.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Simultaneous occurrence of adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hemangioma of the liver: Are they derived from a common origin?
Authors: DI CARLO ISIDORO , URRICO GIOVANNI S , URSINO VENERA , RUSSELLO DOMENICO , PULEO STEFANO , LATTERI FERDINANDO 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  The association between hepatic hemangioma (HH) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) or the association between FNH and hepatic adenoma (HA) has been reported. The authors report a case in which FNH, HH, and HA simultaneously appear in the liver. A 25‐year‐old woman was admitted to the Department of Surgery of the University of Catania (Italy), after presenting pain in the right hypocondrium. No therapy with oral contraceptives, no pregnancy and no abnormalities of the laboratory tests were found. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scans revealed four masses with the characteristics of HH, HA, FNH, and a hydatid cyst located, respectively, in segments II, IV, IV, and V of the liver. The surgical procedures performed were hemangioma and adenoma enucleation and en bloc resection of the FNH, hydatid cyst and gallbladder. No complications were recorded in the postoperative period and the patient was discharged from the hospital after 1 week. A pathological examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, the association of HH, FNH, and HA has never been reported. A common pathogenesis has clearly been demonstrated for hepatocytes and other cell types. The simultaneous presence of these three different kinds of tumor suggest that HH, FNH and HA could be the different expression of the same malformative anomaly.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Parent beliefs about infant teething: A survey of Australian parents
Authors: Wake M , Hesketh K , Allen MA 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Parents ascribe many infant symptoms to teething, despite little evidence to support such an attribution. We report current parental beliefs about teething and its management in a suburban Australian setting. Methodology: A written questionnaire was given to all English‐speaking parents consecutively attending infant hearing testing sessions in one Melbourne municipality between August and October 1997. Approximately 90% of Victorian infants attend these sessions. Results: Parents of 92 infants (mean age 9.9 months) completed questionnaires (97% response rate). Only one believed that teething causes no problems. Most (70–85%) believed that teething causes fever, pain, irritability, sleep disturbance, mouthing/biting, drooling and red cheeks; 35–55% reported nappy rash, ‘sooking’, ear pulling, feeding problems, runny nose, loose stools, and infections; and a few (&lt; 15%) reported smelly urine, constipation, colic or convulsions. Symptoms reported for a parent’s own infant correlated almost perfectly with symptoms believed to be experienced by infants generally (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). Amount of infant distress when teething correlated with more ‘difficult’ infant temperament (r = 0.25, P < 0.05), and longer duration of symptoms per tooth correlated with parent distress (r = 0.26, P < 0.05). Paracetamol (60%) and topical analgesia (55%) were commonly used remedies. Parents diagnose teething more by the presence of ‘teething symptoms’ (65%) than by palpable (43%) or visible (36%) tooth eruption. Conclusions: Teething is a distressing but ill‐defined phenomenon reported by almost all parents of young children, and most use some form of medication to manage it. Most symptoms are minor and relate to discomfort rather than physical illness, but a substantial minority still ascribes potentially serious symptoms to teething.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in cerebral palsy
Authors: YIN R , Reddihough DS , Ditchfield MR , Collins KJ 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To review all cases of cerebral palsy (CP) that had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a defined period of time. Methodology: The MRI brain scans of 42 children (12 premature, 30 full‐term) with CP were studied. The scans were performed at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, between January 1995 and June 1996. Results: Abnormalities were found in 39 of the 42 scans. Five children had cortical malformations and three children had white matter hypoplasia, indicating insults during the second trimester of pregnancy. Twenty‐one children had hypoxic–ischaemic lesions (eight premature, 13 full‐term) with patterns of periventricular leucomalacia, subcortical lesions or cortical infarction indicating insults perinatally or in the third trimester. Only 10 children had scans that could not be categorized into these groups. Conclusions: In this study sample of children with CP, MRI was useful in revealing underlying brain abnormalities, most of which were due to events in the third trimester or the perinatal period.
Rates of breastfeeding in Australia by State and socio‐economic status: Evidence from the 1995 National Health Survey
Authors: Donath S , Amir LH 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To estimate rates of breastfeeding in the first year of life in Australia, according to state and socio‐economic status. Methodology: Analysis of data from the 1995 Australian National Health Survey. Results: Estimated breastfeeding rates are 81.8% on discharge from hospital, 57.1% fully breastfed at 3 months and 62.6% fully or partially breastfed at 3 months. At 6 months, it is estimated that 18.6% of babies are fully breastfed and 46.2% fully or partially breastfed. At 1 year, 21.2% of infants are receiving some breast milk. Comparison between states demonstrates that there is considerable variation in breastfeeding practice within Australia. Rates of breastfeeding also vary according to the socio‐economic status of the geographic area in which the child is living, with a strong inverse relationship between rates of breastfeeding and socio‐economic status. Conclusion: Australia’s target for breastfeeding in the year 2000 is to have 80% of babies at least partially breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Although Australia has good rates of initiation of breastfeeding, these levels are not maintained over time, and it seems unlikely that we will reach the year 2000 targets.
Children of renal transplant recipient mothers
Authors: Willis F R , Findlay C A , Gorrie M J , Watson M A , Wilkinson A G , Beattie T J 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To assess the current physical status and developmental outcome of children born to mothers following renal transplantation. Methodology: A cross‐sectional prevalence survey of 48 children born to 34 women transplanted at a single centre from 1971 to 1992 was performed. Data on maternal renal disease, immunosuppression, pregnancy, delivery and child development were collected using hospital records and parental questionnaire. Children underwent physical examination, urinalysis and urinary tract ultrasound examination (US). Results: Maternal renal failure was due to reflux nephropathy/chronic pyelonephritis (16), chronic glomerulonephritis (eight) and other causes (10). All mothers received prednisolone immunosuppression, as sole therapy (one), as part of triple therapy (one). Sixteen (47%) received azathioprine/prednisolone and 16 (47%) cyclosporin/prednisolone. Twenty‐three girls and 25 boys aged 9 months to 18 years were studied (median age 5.2 years); 27/48 (56%) were born prematurely, 21/48 (44%) with birthweight (BW) < 2500 g 21/48 (44%) were small for gestation (BW < 10th centile). General health and physical assessment were unremarkable in 45/48 (94%) and 41/43 (95%), respectively. Development was considered normal in 47/48 (98%). Four of 40 (10%) had urinary tract abnormalities on US. Conclusions: Despite a high incidence of preterm delivery, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation and urinary tract abnormalities, the overall outcome for children of renal transplant recipient mothers is good.
Prevalence of tuberculosis infection among homeless young people in central and eastern Sydney
Authors: Kang M , Alperstein G , Dow A , Van Beek I , Martin C , Bennett D 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) infection among homeless young people (aged 12–25 years) in central and eastern Sydney. Methodology: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 16 youth refuges and four drop‐in centres in Central and Eastern Sydney Health Areas and at the Cellblock Youth Health Centre, Glebe and the Kirketon Road Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales (NSW). Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent Mantoux testing. Results: One hundred and forty‐one young people completed questionnaires and 139 received a Mantoux test; 112 (80.6%) had their Mantoux read and 10 (8.9%) were Mantoux positive (95% confidence interval 3.6–14.2). None of the risk factors examined were found to be associated with increased risk for TB infection. Conclusions: In this sample of homeless young people in central and eastern Sydney, the Mantoux positivity rate appears to be higher than the general population in NSW, but they would not currently be considered a high‐risk group for TB infection.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 and interleukin‐6 in haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Martin Aa , Woolven Bl , Harris Sj , Keeley Sr , Adams Ld , Jureidini Kf , Henning Ph 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Because haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is an important cause of renal dysfunction in children, the availability of prognostic markers of disease severity could assist in identifying those at risk of developing long‐term sequelae. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in children at the time of diagnosis of HUS would predict renal function outcome in terms of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methodology: Fourteen children suffering from diarrhoeal HUS were studied. Plasma samples were assayed for PAI‐1 and IL‐6, and GFR was measured at intervals after discharge from hospital. Twelve months following their recovery from HUS, the children were allocated to one of two outcome groups depending on whether GFR was above (Good Outcome, n = 9), or below (Poor Outcome, n = 5) 80 mL/min per 1.73 m
2. Results: Elevated concentrations of PAI‐1 were found in 4 of 5 Poor Outcome and 4 of 9 Good Outcome children. At the same time, increased concentrations of IL‐6 were observed in 3 of 5 Poor Outcome and 3 of 9 Good Outcome children. Renal function continued to be compromised in four Poor Outcome children 36 months after diagnosis. Conclusions: Our data show that PAI‐1 and IL‐6 are elevated in the plasma of some children at the time of diagnosis of HUS, but that neither is a definitive prognostic marker of poor outcome 3 years later.
Athetoid quadriplegia and literacy
Authors: Beal S , Zeitz H , Connell T , Zschorn M 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To compare literacy levels in athetoid quadriplegic (AQ) patients born in the 1960s and 1970s with those born in the 1980s and 1990s. Methodology: Nine patients with AQ born between 1966 and 1972 were compared with eight patients born between 1983 and 1991. Results: Reading difficulties were found in almost all patients with AQ, despite normal intellect. Those in the earlier period were for the most part functionally literate, while those in the later period were functionally illiterate. Conclusions: Specific and intensive reading education may be required in patients with AQ to obtain functional literacy.
Breastfeeding failure in a longitudinal post‐partum maternal nutrition study in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Sm , Nelson Eas , Leung Ssf , Li Cy 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To describe factors associated with breastfeeding failure during the first 6 months post‐partum in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese women participating in a longitudinal study of maternal nutrition. Methodology: Forty‐four Hong Kong Chinese lactating mothers who intended to breastfeed exclusively for at least 3 months were recruited and followed for 6 months post‐partum. Demographic data were compared with 20 mothers who intended to use formula feeding. Mothers were followed up at 2 and 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months and details of infant feeding practices were obtained. Information was sought on breastfeeding management in hospital, reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding or for providing supplements to babies and intention to seek, and sources of, lactation support. Results: Thirty‐nine mothers who planned to breastfeed completed the follow up. Compared with mothers in the formula‐feeding group, breastfeeding mothers were more likely to be professionals or housewives. Continuation of any breastfeeding (total and partial) was noted in 30 (77%), 22 (57%), 16 (41%) and 12 (31%) mothers at 2 and 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months post‐partum, respectively. The majority (97%) of mothers stated that they were given information on the benefits and management of breastfeeding. However, late initiation of breastfeeding and providing supplements to babies were common. Perceptions of insufficient milk supply (44%), breast problems (31%) and being too tired (28%) were the main reasons stated for stopping breastfeeding or for providing supplements to babies. Midwives from the postnatal wards and hotlines were the main sources of lactation support. Conclusions: These results highlight difficulties in sustaining breastfeeding, either exclusive or partial, in Hong Kong Chinese women. Despite being recruited on the basis of intending to exclusively breastfeed for 3 months, less than half these mothers were still breastfeeding and only approximately one‐third were exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding at 3 months. More needs to be done within the hospital environment to initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth and to avoid giving unnecessary supplements and more effort is needed to foster a mother’s confidence, commitment and knowledge of breastfeeding.