bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of general and epidural anaesthesia on thyroid hormones and immunity in neonates
Authors: GASPARONI A , CIARDELLI L , DE AMICI D , CASTELLAZZI A. M , AUTELLI M , BOTTINO R , POLITO E , BARTOLI A , RONDINI G , CHIRICO G 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of this study was to verify if variations of thyroid hormones related to circumstances of delivery and mode of maternal anaesthesia can contribute to neonatal neutrophil respiratory burst and natural killer cell activity. Methods: We evaluated 10 infants born by vaginal delivery (group A), 10 infants born by caesarean section after epidural anaesthesia with lidocaine (group B) and 10 infants born by caesarean section after general anaesthesia with sevoflurane (group C). Results: A significant reduction of neutrophil respiratory burst test was found in groups A and C compared with group B. Natural killer cell (NK) activity with an effector : target ratio of 30 : 1 (NK30) and 10 : 1 (NK10) was significantly higher in group A compared with the B and C groups. In addition, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was significantly reduced in group A compared with the B and C groups. A significant negative correlation was found between TSH and NK30 or NK10. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the mode of delivery and anaesthesia can significantly modify the endocrine‐immune system in the newborn. Caesarean section delivery with regional anaesthesia seems to produce fewer modifications of neonatal immune function compared with general anaesthesia.
Pre‐operative parent information and attitudes towards general anaesthetic induction technique in paediatric patients: An audit
Authors: Dalal P. , Fenlon S. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction  It is a standard practice at our hospital to allow a parent to be present during induction of anaesthesia. Parents demonstrate a high degree of anxiety prior to their child's surgery. A struggling, crying child who then goes limp is emotionally upsetting to the parents (1). An anxious parent may increase the child's anxiety leading to various complications at induction. Adequate pre‐operative information regarding problems encountered during anaesthetic induction would help parents cope with this stress (2). The best practice would be that all the parents should be told about the preferred induction technique, intravenous or gas, an alternative technique if this fails and complications related to both. All parents should find the induction experience ‘better than’ or ‘as expected’ and be able to discuss their worries afterwards with a proficient member of the staff. The aim of this audit was to find out whether we gave adequate pre‐operative information to parents regarding anaesthetic induction and what were their attitudes towards this.Methods  We designed a questionnaire which had two parts. Part A was filled in by the anaesthetist and part B by the parent who attended the induction.Results  50 patients were audited over a period of 3 months. Only 40% were told about both gas and intravenous induction. Only 58% were told why either technique was chosen. 10% of the parents found the induction experience to be ‘worse than expected’. 16% of the parents felt that the information given was ‘too little’. 12% were not able to discuss their worries afterwards with a proficient member of the staff.Conclusion  Overall, the level of satisfaction was high with 90% of the parents finding the induction experience ‘better than’ or ‘as expected’. We fell short of the standards that we set up at the beginning of the audit. To improve parental satisfaction, adequate pre‐operative information is a must. Hence, considering a preoperative educational programme seems appropriate to improve our standards. We therefore make the following recommendations:

Detailed explanation by the anaesthetist to the parent regarding the general anaesthetic induction technique.
Use of audio‐visual aids, video‐tapes showing an anaesthetic induction.
Parental visit to the induction room to familiarise themselves with the environment.
Distribution of information leaflets to the parents explaining what to expect at anaesthetic induction.

Our next step is to design an information leaflet, put it on trial and then re‐audit.
Exomphalos – a major or minor problem?
Authors: O'Neill T. , Kirby F. , O'Brien K. , Warde D. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction  The mortality and morbidity statistics associated with exomphalos major remain discouraging despite advances in management techniques (1). Congenital lung pathology, in particular pulmonary hypoplasia, and thoracic maldevelopment, have been strongly allied to this condition, accounting for the high incidence of pulmonary insufficiency necessitating prolonged ventilatory support in these infants (2).We discuss the respiratory issues in an infant with a particularly severe form of exomphalos major, and the impact of a comprehensive parental website devoted to the infants' management and progress.Case Report  A female infant, born at 38 weeks' gestation, was referred for management of exomphalos major. Due to the extensive nature of the abdominal wall defect, primary surgical closure was impossible and initial management consisted of staged reduction by external compression of the exomphalos. This resulted in escalating cardiovascular and respiratory embarrassment, and was abandoned in favour of conservative treatment, whereby the sac was dressed and allowed to epithelialise. Thereafter the clinical course was characterised by chronic pulmonary insufficiency requiring prolonged ventilatory support.Ventilator dependence did not significantly decrease until lung growth occurred and the sitting position was adopted, enabling weaning from conventional ventilation to genuine BIPAP at 6 months. Currently, after 11 months, we are preparing her for entry into a home ventilation programme.Throughout this period, progress and realistic goals were discussed at multidisciplinary case conferences involving the parents. The interpreted medical management has subsequently been displayed by the parents on an elaborate, up‐to‐date website, which is part of a larger ‘Mother Of Omphalocele’ network. Although innovative, this highlights the fact that we the medical profession, should be vigilant with regard to potential public exposure of patient management. Whilst the Internet has become an integral part of our own continuing education, this case highlights a new aspect of how it may be used by our patients and their relatives to compare and contrast management policies in various institutions.
The feline glaucomas: 82 cases (1995–1999)
Authors: Blocker T. , Van Der Woerdt A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo describe signalment, ophthalmic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with glaucoma.DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsEighty‐two cats with 93 glaucomatous eyes.Criteria for inclusionMedical records of all cats with glaucoma presented to the ophthalmology services at two referral specialty hospitals between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed. Cats were included if intraocular pressure (IOP) > 25 mmHg, if buphthalmos was present, or if a shallow anterior chamber was present and IOP ≥ 5 mmHg higher than the contralateral normal eye.ResultsMean ± SD age was 9.2 ± 4.4 years. Thirty‐one cats were female; 51 were male. Breeds included 69 domestic and 13 pure‐bred cats. One eye was affected in 71 cats; both eyes in 11 cats. The most common presenting complaints and ophthalmic abnormalities were cataract, corneal edema, mydriasis, buphthalmos, cloudy eye, and blindness. Mean intraocular pressure in the affected eye was 36.4 ± 14.7 mmHg. The glaucomas were believed to be secondary in 81 eyes, primary in five eyes, and undetermined in seven eyes. The goal of medical therapy was to maintain IOP in a comfortable range we presumed to be < 30 mmHg in blind eyes, and to maintain IOP below 25 mmHg to preserve vision in visual eyes. Intraocular pressure was maintained in a comfortable range or normal range in 58% of all eyes using medical therapy alone. Surgery was performed in nine eyes after medical management failed. Sixty‐seven eyes were blind, 21 were visual, and five had decreased vision at initial presentation. With treatment, vision was retained in nine eyes, deteriorated in five eyes, and was lost in three eyes.ConclusionsThe glaucomas were most frequently secondary in cats and resulted in blindness prior to presentation in the majority of eyes in our study. Medical management controlled IOP in more than half of the eyes, and maintained vision in almost half of visual eyes.
A servant's heart: an analysis of Nightingale's correspondence to Mrs Broomhead
Authors: Freeman L. H. , Glass L. K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDuring a visit to the Nightingale home at Lea Hurst, the authors discovered correspondence between Florence Nightingale and a former servant's wife. Much of her correspondence that has been studied was to well‐known people regarding major issues of public concern. This correspondence reveals Nightingale's concern for people of all stations in life. Nightingale's caring concern and strong religious faith are evident in each letter. These letters provide evidence of Nightingale's lifelong commitment to the people of her youth, regardless of their status in life.
Report cards: relevance for nursing and patient care safety
Authors: Hall L. McGillis 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe emergence of health care report cards in the North American environment is outlined. While it is evident that substantial activity has emerged, the majority of these initiatives excluded nursing, or use a broad indicator for nursing that may not provide meaningful representations of the quality of nursing care provided in the system and the relevance of this care to patient care safety. Given that nurses are the primary care provider in health care settings, this represents a significant gap in health care report cards. The pioneering work of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Report Card in the development and validation of report card indicators for nursing is discussed. Challenges related to data availability and data quality are identified. Potential opportunities for linking nursing practice outcomes to patient care quality and patient safety through a report card process are outlined.
Nursing art as a practical art: the necessary relationship between nursing art and nursing ethics
Authors: Blondeau Danielle 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the last decade, nurse scholars have focused extensively on the nature of nursing and its relationship to art and science. This emphasis has also been accompanied by an increasing literature on nursing ethics. In spite of this growing interest, the relationship of nursing art and nursing ethics has been left unclear. This paper proposes that nursing must be considered as a practical art because this conception explicates the relationship of nursing art and nursing ethics. It is based on the thesis that nursing art is subordinated to nursing ethics and as such is a moral art. Different conceptions of nursing art (craft and fine art) will be explored to show their limits. This will be followed by the conception of nursing art as a practical art.
Application of a tensile‐strength test method to the evaluation of hydrating hair products
Authors: Mercelot V. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisThe usual methods applied to studying the hydration state of hair (e.g. gravimetry, microscopy, evaporimetry) are mostly concerned with a limited area of the fibre. Consequently, the results obtained do not reflect the variability of the physicochemical properties of the whole fibre. Moreover, there are not many experimental methods to evaluate the hydrating power of hair care products in the literature. This study proposes a new method to measure the hydration state of treated or untreated hair by using a tensile strength test. A graphic analysis of tensile strength variation as a function of relative humidity after hair treatment allows the calculation of three hydration indexes: protection index, instant hydration index and permanent hydration index. This technique can give useful information on the behaviour of hair versus relative humidity and on the different hydrating mechanisms exhibited by hair care products.RésuméLes méthodes couramment utilisées pour étudier l'état d'hydratation du cheveu (gravimétrie, microscopie, évaporimétrie) concernent le plus souvent une zone limitée de la fibre. En conséquencé les résultats obtenus ne reflètent pas la variabilité, des propriétés physicochimiques de la fibre entière. De plus, les méthodes expérimentales pour évaluer le pouvoir hydratant de traitements capillaires sont peu nombreuses dans la littérature. Cette étude propose une nouvelle méthode pour mesurer le taux d'hydratation de cheveux traités ou non, grâce à un test basé sur la résistance à la traction du cheveu. Une analyse graphique des variations de résistance à la traction en fonction de l'Humidité Relative après un traitement capillaire, permet de calculer trois Indices d'hydratation: Indice de Protection, Indice d'Hydratation Immédiat et Indice d'Hydratation Permanent. Cette technique apporte des informations utiles sur le comportement du cheveu en fonction de l'Humidité Relative et sur les différents mécanismes d'hydratation engendrés par les traitements capillaires. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Vapour pressures of phenethyl alcohol and limonene in systems with water and Laureth 4
Authors: Friberg S.E. , Yin Qi , Aikens P.A. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisThe vapour pressures of phenethyl alcohol and limonene in their water‐in‐oil microemulsion region were measured by head space gas chromatography of equilibrated samples. The results showed that the vapour pressure of both fragrance compounds in their mutual solutions without surfactant or water was significantly greater than that in ideal solutions. The high vapour pressure of phenethyl alcohol in such solutions was strongly reduced by addition of the surfactant, Laureth 4, a commercial nonionic surfactant, approximately teteraethylene glycol dodecyl ether. Saturation of the solutions with water gave a further reduction in the vapour pressure. The high vapour pressure of limonene was not influenced to a corresponding degree; in fact, only a small influence was found. The results were interpreted as resulting from differences in intermolecular interactions due to location of the fragrance compounds in different parts of the colloidal association structures.RésuméOn a mesuré les tensions de vapeur de l'alcool phénétylique et du limonène dans leur zone de micro‐émulsion eau‐dans‐huile par chromatographie gazeuse head space sur des échantillons équilibrés.Les résultats montrent que la tension de vapeur des deux substances odorantes dans leurs solutions mutuelles sans tensioactif ni eau est significativement plus élevée que celle en solutions idéales. La tension de vapeur élevée de l'alcool phénétylique dans de telles solutions est fortement réduite par l'addition du tensioactif, le Laureth 4, tensioactif commercial non ionique; approximativement éther dodécylique de tétraéthylène glycol. La saturation des solutions avec de l'eau provoque une réduction supplémentaire de la tension de vapeur. La tension de vapeur élevée du limonène n'est pas affectée à un tel degré; en fait on ne constate qu'une petite influence.Les résultats sont interprétés comme venant de différences dans les interactions intermoléculaires dues à la localisation des substances odorantes dans différentes parties des structures d'association colloïdales.
Crystal Clear Transparent Lipstick Formulation Based on Solidified Oils
Authors: De Clermont‐Gallerande H. , Chavardes V. , Zastrow L. 
Published: March 2003

We have developed a lipstick, the stick of which looks totally transparent.The base, coloured or not, may contain high concentration of actives or fragrances.The present study examines the process of determination of oils and solidifying agents.The selecting criterion include visible spectroscopic measurements to quantify transparency of the formulated product. We have also validated the stick hardness through drop point and breakage measurements.After several investigations, we selected a mixture of oils and solidifying agents.The oil network obtained has been characterized through optical microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. We can show that the final product we obtained is amorphous and its solidity can be explained by chemical bonds formation.
Controlled delivery of lipophilic agents to cell cultures for in vitro toxicity and biocompatibility assays
Authors: Zülli  , Liechti  , Suter  
Published: March 2003

Synopsis In this report, we present a novel method for delivering lipophilic compounds to cell cultures. The delivery system is based on a nanoemulsion stabilized by phospholipids. These nanoemulsions are well tolerated by cell cultures, such as TK6 lymphoblastoid cells and can be used to deliver defined amounts of encapsulated lipophilic compounds into cells.We measured the growth inhibition of TK6 lymphoblastoid cells caused by different oils, UV‐filters and fragrances to determine the biocompatibility or the toxicity of these compounds in simple cell culture experiments. Our data show that the applied nanoemulsion technology is also very suitable to study biological effects of the UV‐A‐irradiated compounds in cell culture assays. Résumé Dans ce compte‐rendu, nous présentons une nouvelle méthode pour dispenser des composés lipophiles à des cultures de cellules. Le système de répartition est fondé sur une nanoémulsion stabilisée par des phospholipides. Ces nanoémulsions sont bien tolérées par les cultures cellulaires, comme les cellules lymphoblastoides TK6 et peuvent etre employées pour délivrer des quantités précises de composés lipophiles encapsulés aux cellules.Nous avons mesuré l’inhibition de la croissance des cellules lymphoblastoides TK6 provoquée par diverses huiles, des filtres UV et des parfums pour déterminer la biocompatibilité ou la toxicité de ces composés par des essais sur de simples cultures de cellules. Nos données montrent que l’utilisation de la technologie des nanoémulsions convient également à l’étude des effects biologiques des composés irradiés par des UVA dans les cultures cellulaires.
Dosage de l'octyl dimethyl PABA, de l'homosalate et de l'octyl salicylate dans les produits de protection solaire
Authors: Masse M.‐O. , Herpol‐Borremans M. 
Published: March 2003

RésuméLa méthode décrit le dosage de l′octyl dimethyl PABA (2‐ethylhexyl 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoate) (CAS RN 21245‐02‐3), de l′homo‐salate (3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate) (CAS RN 118‐56‐9) et de l′octyl salicylate (2‐ethylhexyl salicylate) (CAS RN 118‐60‐5) dans les produits cosmétiques de protection solaire.L′échantillon est mis en suspension dans le méthanol et après traitement approprié, le dosage est effectué par HPLC/UV. La précision, le rendement et la fiabilité de la méthode ont été déterminés.
New combined treatment of hypermelanosis: analytical studies on efficacy and stability improvement
Authors: Ferioli V. , Rustichelli C. , Pavesi G. , Gamberini G. 
Published: March 2003

Synopsis The aim of this work was to evaluate the synergy between different lightening agents when associated; depigmenting activity was tested in vitro by monitoring the appearance of dopachrome, an intermediate in the melanogenesis process. The results obtained were compared with the depigmenting activity of each single compound, keeping the same global concentration of inhibitor.Our studies showed that the combination of hydroquinone and kojic acid had a synergistic effect, and that the maximum inhibiting action was achieved with an equimolecular mixture. This result could serve in the cosmetics field to prepare skin‐lightening formulations that are less irritant.We also investigated the feasibility of complexing hydroquinone with cyclodextrin and evaluated the effectiveness of the complex obtained in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
An update on vitamin K: contribution of MAFF‐funded research
Authors: Buttriss Judy , Bundy Rafe , Hughes Joyce 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis paper summarises the findings with respect to vitamin K of the British Nutrition Foundation’s recent review of MAFF's Optimal Nutrition Status research programme. As well as providing an overview of current knowledge about the role that vitamin K plays in human health, the paper places in context the contribution to current knowledge of the MAFF‐funded research and summarises the priorities for future research recommended in the final report submitted to the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group, now the Foods Standards Agency.
The mechanism of effect of growth hormone on preadipocyte and adipocyte function
Authors: Nam S. Y. , Lobie P. E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryGrowth hormone (GH) is not only the major regulator of postnatal somatic growth but also exerts profound effects on body composition through a combination of anabolic, lipolytic and antinatriuretic actions. GH enhancement of the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in combination with a reduction of triglyceride accumulation via inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity appears to be the major mechanism by which GH results in a reduction of the total fat mass. Recently, much progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism by which GH affects cellular function. This review provides a brief discourse and summary of the mechanism of effects of GH on preadipocyte/adipocyte function. It is intended to provide a functional understanding of the mechanism of action of GH as it relates to adipogenesis and adipocyte function.
Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities?
Authors: Björntorp P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary‘Stress’ embraces the reaction to a multitude of poorly defined factors that disturb homeostasis or allostasis. In this overview, the activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system have been utilized as objective measurements of stress reactions. Although long‐term activation of the sympathetic nervous system is followed by primary hypertension, consequences of similar activation of the HPA axis have not been clearly defined. The focus of this overview is to examine whether or not repeated activation of these two stress centres may be involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal obesity and its comorbidities. In population studies adrenal hormones show strong statistical associations to centralization of body fat as well as to obesity. There is considerable evidence from clinical to cellular and molecular studies that elevated cortisol, particularly when combined with secondary inhibition of sex steroids and growth hormone secretions, is causing accumulation of fat in visceral adipose tissues as well as metabolic abnormalities (The Metabolic Syndrome). Hypertension is probably due to a parallel activation of the central sympathetic nervous system. Depression and ‘the small baby syndrome’ as well as stress exposure in men and non‐human primates are followed with time by similar central and peripheral abnormalities. Glucocorticoid exposure is also followed by increased food intake and ‘leptin resistant’ obesity, perhaps disrupting the balance between leptin and neuropeptide Y to the advantage of the latter. The consequence might be ‘stress‐eating’, which, however, is a poorly defined entity. Factors activating the stress centres in humans include psychosocial and socioeconomic handicaps, depressive and anxiety traits, alcohol and smoking, with some differences in profile between personalities and genders. Polymorphisms have been defined in several genes associated with the cascade of events along the stress axes. Based on this evidence it is suggested that environmental, perinatal and genetic factors induce neuroendocrine perturbations followed by abdominal obesity with its associated comorbidities.