bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the physical properties of endoscopic retrieval systems
Authors: Singhvi S K , Allan W , Williams E D , Small P K 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
A reliable method of retrieval of laparoscopically resected organs is required. The physical properties of three commercial systems available for clinical use (two plastic, one woven fabric) were examined.

Methods
Pig abdominal walls and gallbladders containing steel balls to represent gallstones were used to simulate organ retrieval on 60 occasions. The performance of retrieval bags was measured in terms of the temporal profile of pressure developed inside the bag, the force on the bag during withdrawal, and whether or not the bag could be retrieved intact. The force versus elongation relationship was also determined for each bag.

Results
Although there was a wide range of maximum pressures recorded (14–320 mmHg) with each retrieval system, the mean pressures in the plastic systems were significantly higher. The forces recorded during attempted withdrawal of both plastic bags were significantly lower than those with the fabric system (BERT bag: mean (range) 87 (25–165) N; Endocatch: 40 (7–123) N; Endopouch: 40 (14–68) N; P = 0·005 Endocatch versus BERT, P = 0·004 Endopouch versus BERT). The BERT bags tore more easily at the site of the grasper.

Conclusion
Plastic retrieval systems were less likely to burst than fabric systems when subjected to simulated retrieval, and required less force for withdrawal. Plastic systems may therefore be associated with less tumour seeding or gallstone spillage as a consequence of bag disruption.
Morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatogastrostomy and pancreatojejunostomy following partial pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Schlitt H J , Schmidt U , Simunec D , Jäger M , Aselmann H , Neipp M , Piso P 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The pancreatic anastomosis is still the Achilles heel in partial pancreatoduodenectomy (PPD).

Methods
This study describes retrospectively a series of 441 patients who underwent standard or extended PPD and reconstruction by either pancreatogastrostomy or pancreatojejunostomy over a period of 13 years (1988–2000).

Results
Reconstruction of the pancreatic remnant was achieved by pancreatogastrostomy in 250 patients (56·7 per cent) and by pancreatojejunostomy in 191 patients (43·3 per cent). The leakage rate of the pancreatic anastomosis was 2·8 per cent after pancreatogastrostomy versus 12·6 per cent after pancreatojejunostomy (P &lt; 0·001), whereas other surgical complications (bile leakage, haemorrhage, pancreatitis) were identical in the two groups. The leakage rate after standard PPD with or without vascular reconstruction was 2·0 per cent (four of 205 patients) after pancreatogastrostomy and 11·5 per cent (18 of 156) after pancreatojejunostomy (P &lt; 0·001); following extended PPD it was 6·7 per cent (three of 45) after pancreatogastrostomy and 17·1 per cent (six of 35) after pancreatojejunostomy. The mortality rate due to leakage was 1·6 per cent (four of 250 patients) after pancreatogastrostomy versus 5·2 per cent (ten of 191) after pancreatojejunostomy (P = 0·037).

Conclusion
Pancreatogastrostomy is a safe and reliable method of reconstruction after PPD that may be associated with a lower leakage and mortality rate than pancreatojejunostomy.
Scintigraphic assessment of antegrade colonic irrigation through an appendicostomy or a neoappendicostomy
Authors: Christensen P , Olsen N , Krogh K , Laurberg S 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate large bowel transport following antegrade colonic irrigation with a new scintigraphic technique.

Methods
Ten patients (eight with severe constipation, two with faecal incontinence; median age 47 (range 41–66) years) treated with antegrade colonic irrigation took 111In-labelled polystyrene pellets to label the bowel contents. 99mTc-labelled diethylenetriamine penta-acetate was mixed with the irrigation fluid to map its distribution within the large bowel. Scintigraphy was performed before and after a standardized irrigation procedure. The large bowel was divided into four segments. Assuming ordered evacuation of the large bowel, the contribution of each colonic segment to total evacuation was expressed as a percentage of original segmental count. The segmental contributions were added to reach a total defaecation score (range 0–400).

Results
The median defaecation score was 350, corresponding to complete emptying of the rectosigmoid, descending colon, transverse colon, and half of the caecum and ascending colon. The retained irrigation fluid was located throughout the large bowel. Back-flow to the ileum was observed in four patients.

Conclusion
This study used a new scintigraphic technique to assess large bowel transport following antegrade colonic irrigation. Antegrade colonic irrigation induces highly effective emptying even in patients with severe constipation.
Influence of irradiation and pentoxifylline on histone H3 phosphorylation in human tumour cell lines
Authors: Binder A. , Bohm L. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser‐10 correlates with chromatin condensation and this amino terminal modification is now recognized as a specific marker of mitosis. We have monitored the appearance of cells showing histone H3 phosphorylation in four human tumour cell lines to identify cell cycle progression after irradiation. In the human melanoma cell lines Be11 and MeWo and in the squamous cell carcinoma lines 4197 and 4451 a dose of 7 Gy of Co‐γ irradiation increases the number of cells binding anti‐histone H3‐P antibody 1–8‐fold in a p53‐independent manner. In the p53 mutant cell lines MeWo and 4451 H3‐P phosphorylated cells can be detected as early as 30 min and show a maximum 1 h post‐irradiation. In the cell lines Be11, 4197 and 4451 the early wave of H3 phosphorylated cells is followed by a second wave, which reaches a maximum 4.5–7 h post‐irradiation and then declines. These events are attributed to damage‐induced cell cycle blocks in the G1 and G2 phase of the cell cycle. Addition of the dose modifying drug pentoxifylline before irradiation increases the appearance of cells showing early and the late H3 phosphorylation. When pentoxifylline is added 12–24 h post‐irradiation when the cell cycle blocks have reached their maximum the appearance of cells with phosphorylated H3 increases 3–5‐fold in the p53 mutant cell lines MeWo and 4451. These observations are consistent with the function of the drug as a G2 block abrogator. The large H3 phosphorylation signal in p53 mutant cells is consistent with early entry of a cohort of G2 cells into mitosis. The smaller H3‐P signal in p53 wild type cells correlates with the lower proportion of stable G2 populations in G1 blocked cells. These results indicate that pentoxifylline influences the appearance of histone H3 phosphorylated cells in a manner strongly dependent on the number of cells in G2 phase. This suggests that addition of pentoxifylline indeed abrogates the G2 block and thereby facilitates early entry into mitosis.
Nitric oxide inhibits irreversibly P815 cell proliferation: involvement of potassium channels
Authors: Costa R. S. A. , Assreuy J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to inhibit both normal and cancer cell proliferation. Potassium channels are involved in cell proliferation and, as NO activates these channels, we investigated the effect of NO on the proliferation of murine mastocytoma cell lines and the putative involvement of potassium channels. NO (in the form of NO donors) caused dose‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation in the P815 cell line inducing growth arrest in the mitosis phase. Incubation with NO donor for 4 or 24 h had a similar inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, indicating that this effect is irreversible. The inhibitory effect of NO was completely prevented by the blockade of voltage‐ and calcium‐dependent potassium channels, but not by blockade of ATP‐dependent channels. NO inhibition of cell proliferation was unaffected by guanylate cyclase and by cytoskeleton disruptors. Therefore, NO inhibits cell proliferation irreversibly via a potassium channel‐dependent but guanylate cyclase‐independent pathway in murine mastocytoma cells.
Training foster carers in challenging behaviour: a case study in disappointment?
Authors: Pithouse Andrew , Hill‐Tout Jan , Lowe Kathy 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper sets out key features of a semi‐experimental investigation conducted between March 1999 and April 2001 into the impact of training foster carers in techniques to manage challenging behaviour. We identified a sample of children (n = 103) in foster care in four authorities in South Wales who were selected by a checklist as showing behaviours that could be defined as challenging. From this search procedure we identified their foster carers (n = 106) and created a training intervention group for 53 carers looking after 49 children and a non‐intervention comparison group of 53 carers looking after 54 children. Both groups of carers were interviewed using a range of measures before and after the delivery of the training in order to identify any changes they perceived in the conduct of children and changes they perceived in their own capacities as carers. The training was delivered in small groups and evaluative feedback was gathered from carers and from training officers in those agencies that participated in the study. The results suggested that training, as designed and delivered in this study, had limited impact on child conduct and carer capacity. The reasons for this are discussed in light of selected findings. We spend some time on describing our methods in order to expose our approach to the critical scrutiny of readers, whose views would be welcome as we make our future research plans in this field.
Promising practices in understanding and treating child neglect
Authors: Berry Marianne , Charlson Renae , Dawson Kari 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTChild neglect is the most common type of child maltreatment in the United States. However, services provided to families who neglect often fail to address and treat the primary concerns associated with child neglect. The information provided in this paper identifies the primary problems contributing to child neglect, and some promising practices in child welfare casework that address these problems and show positive outcomes for the children and families who experience child neglect. Knowledge pertaining to assessment skills, treatment abilities, and model programmes is provided.
The measurement of quality of life in young children
Authors: Eiser C , Mohay H , Morse R 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to argue for a measure of quality of life (QoL) for children aged between 4 and 8 years, describe the obstacles in developing such a measure, and provide evidence that it is possible to elicit directly information from children. Finally we summarize and critique measures that are currently available for this purpose.
Measuring health‐related quality of life in adolescents: agreement between raters and between methods of administration
Authors: Verrips G H W , Vogels A G C , Ouden A L den , Paneth N , Verloove‐Vanhorick S P 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between children and proxies as well as the agreement between methods of administration in assessing Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using the TNO AZL Children's Quality Of Life (TACQOL) questionnaire. A random sample from a Dutch cohort of 14‐year‐old very low birth weight children and their parents were invited to participate in a face‐to‐face (n= 150) or telephone interview (n= 150). Participants were also sent a questionnaire by mail. The response rate was 83%. Inter‐rater and intermethod agreement were generally good in observable HRQoL domains, and moderate in less readily observable, and possibly less stable, domains such as moods, pain and physical symptoms, and social functioning. In measuring children's HRQoL using the TACQOL, the results and their interpretation are dependent on the source of information and the method of administration.
Culture, stress and the parent–child relationship: a qualitative study of parents’ perceptions of parenting
Authors: Sidebotham P ,   the ALSPAC Study Team
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis qualitative research project, based on the principles of grounded theory, has used a series of semi‐structured interviews with parents to explore parental understanding of the culture in which today’s children are growing up, the influences of that culture on their parenting and the potential impact on their child.MethodsSixteen mothers and one father whose children are participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were interviewed. The interviews covered various aspects of parenting and culture. Data from the transcribed interviews were analysed for emerging themes relating to parenting and areas where parenting can go wrong. These themes were developed further through an understanding of the literature on parenting and families.ResultsAnalysis of the data suggested several key areas in which our culture imposes particular stresses on parents and, as such, does not support families or children. Prominent areas of stress were time pressures, particularly in the work–home arena, expectations of children to be active and achieving, financial pressures and the impact of consumerism on families.ConclusionsThese data suggest that parents, although holding a very positive view of their children, do perceive parenting as being stressful. This is exacerbated by social structures and attitudes that do not value or support children and their families.
A prospective study of absence for illness and injury in childcare children
Authors: Slack‐Smith L. M. , Read A. W. , Stanley F. J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Objectives  This population‐based study investigated prospectively collected absence episodes to describe patterns and rates of absences for illness and other reasons in two types of formal childcare. Design Centre day care and family day care homes were selected at random from licensing lists. All centres (n = 11) and 95% of family day care caregivers (n = 130) agreed to participate. The results are based on absence information from carers and on questionnaires to the parents of participating children (n = 846). Results The major reason for absence was respiratory illness with 48% of all children absent at least once during the year with some form of respiratory illness. Although the absence rate for children in centre care was higher than that in family care (3.34 episodes per 52 child–weeks compared with 2.41), the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Investigating patterns of absences from childcare allows a better understanding of needs in childcare. The major reason for absence for illness was respiratory illness.
Neuropeptide innervation and neuroendocrine cells in allergic rhinitis and chronic hypertrophic rhinitis
Authors: Fang S.‐Y. , Shen C.‐L. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe neuropeptides and neuroendocrine cells are proven to exist in the human nasal mucosa. However, the pathophysiological and neuroimmunological roles of regulatory peptides in human nasal diseases require further investigation.ObjectivesTo investigate and compare the functional morphology and quantify the tissue concentration of regulatory peptides in the nasal mucosas of normal, allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic hypertrophic rhinitis (CHR) subjects.MethodsHuman inferior turbinate mucosa specimens from 28 patients with AR, 25 patients with CHR and 15 patients without any nasal diseases were investigated. Using immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassays, we detected the presence, distribution and concentrations of various neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptides [VIP], neuropeptide Y [NPY], substance P [SP], calcitonin gene‐related peptides [CGRP]) and general neuroendocrine markers (neuronee‐specific enolase, chromogranin A and somatostatin). Quantitative analysis of the stained fibres and cells were performed using a graphic AutoCAD program.ResultsThe presence and distribution of NPY, CGRP, and SP nerve fibres and neuroendocrine cells were similar among the three subject groups. AR subjects had significantly higher VIP and SP tissue concentrations. VIP fibres had highest density in AR subjects and these fibers predominantly innervated vessels. In CHR, VIP fibres primarily innervated glands.ConclusionsVIP and SP may play an important neuroimmunological role in the pathogenesis of AR. VIP may lead to the hypertrophic changes of submucosal glands in the pathogenesis of CHR.
Evolution of lymphocyte transformation to wasp venom antigen during immunotherapy for wasp venom anaphylaxis
Authors: Stevens W. J. , Ebo D. G. , De Clerck L. S. , Bridts C. H. , De Gendt C. M. , Mertens A. V. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundVenom immunotherapy (VIT) has proven to be safe and effective in wasp venom anaphylaxis. However, there are no good parameters to indicate when to stop venom immunotherapy.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship of the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) to history and specific IgE determination, and to address the time course of lymphocyte transformation responses to wasp (Vespula) venom during VIT and the possible utility of LTT to determine the duration of therapy.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 18 individuals with a history of wasp sting anaphylaxis and a positive serum‐venom‐specific IgE, were stimulated with wasp venom before immunotherapy, at the end of a 5‐day semi‐rush immunotherapy and at 24 months during venom immunotherapy. Results, expressed as stimulation index (SI), were compared with the SI in seven asymptomatic stung controls.ResultsIn controls the median (minimum–maximum) of the SI were 2.39 (0.52–3.39) before therapy and 2.39 (1.12–6.02) when repeated after 24 months. For patients the median (minimum–maximum) of the SI were 10.13 (1.19–44.88) before immunotherapy (d0), 2.73 (0.67–12.03) at the end of the build‐up immunotherapy (d5) and 4.21 (0.88‐14.66) at the end of 24 months of maintenance therapy (m24). The proliferation responses in vespid‐allergic patients were significantly higher than in stung controls (P = 0.006) but only13/18 patients showed a positive LTT result before the start of immunotherapy (sensitivity of the LTT 72%). When the LTT was repeated after a 5 day build‐up hyposensitization course the SI significantly dropped as compared to the pre‐treatment levels (P = 0.002). The SI of the LTT was negative in eight out of 18 patients at 24 months and the median values were significantly lower than before therapy (P = 0.03).ConclusionsAlthough, in the absence of sting challenge data it is not possible to draw conclusions about the predictive value of the LTT, our data may suggest that abolition of the LTT during VIT might indicate clinical insensitivity. Further studies, comparing the results of sting challenges, with the results of lymphocyte transformation will be necessary in order to evaluate the role of LTT in stopping immunotherapy.
Analysis of T‐cell reactive regions and HLA‐DR4 binding motifs on the latex allergen Hev b 1 (rubber elongation factor)
Authors: Raulf‐Heimsoth  , Chen  , Rihs  , Kalbacher  , Liebers  , Baur  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe rubber elongation factor in Hevea rubber (Hev b 1) is one of the important latex‐allergenic proteins inducing the production of specific IgE antibodies in latex‐exposed subjects. In addition, Hev b 1 induces lymphocyte proliferation responses. A study about detailed T‐cell epitope analysis of major latex allergens has not been published yet.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to define the T‐cell reactive regions on the latex allergen Hev b 1.MethodsNine overlapping peptides with 19 or 17 amino acid lengths representing the complete sequence of Hev b 1 were used for T‐cell epitope mapping. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of latex‐sensitized patients and healthy subjects were isolated and stimulated with the synthetic peptides to determine the specific proliferation response. The examined patients were sensitized to latex by occupational exposure (n = 14) and suffered from rhinitis, conjunctivitis, contact urticaria and/or asthma. Two control groups of non‐sensitized subjects were studied, one occupationally exposed to latex (n = 4), the other one not exposed to latex (n = 4).ResultsPositive proliferation response induced by one or more peptides was detected in 10 of the latex‐sensitized patients and in two of the latex‐exposed non‐sensitized subjects. Each patient exhibited an individual epitope reactivity pattern. The whole protein was found to be immunogenic, but the intensity of lymphocyte responses induced by the peptides was different. The majority of the patients' PBMCs (more than 66%) responded to the peptides 31–49 and 91–109. Using the peptide selection of Stille's algorithms, three epitopes were predicted covering region 38–74 and two others covering region 82–104; the two peptides 31–49 and 91–109 are part of these regions. A strong HLA‐DR4Dw4 (DRB1*0401)‐binding motif according to published DR4w4 binding motifs was predicted in the region of 102–110 including peptide 91–109 to which the majority of tested HLA‐DR4‐positive patients responded.ConclusionsOur data indicate that the whole 14 kDa protein Hev b 1 is immunogenic having regions that demonstrate individual and varying PBMC stimulation. Experimental data of T‐cell reactive regions based on PBMC‐stimulation complement the information on T‐cell epitope prediction. In addition, the Hev b 1 molecule contains a HLA‐DR4Dw4 (DRB1*0401)‐binding motif.
Symptom control in patients with hay fever in UK general practice: how well are we doing and is there a need for allergen immunotherapy?
Authors: White  , Smith  , Baker  , Davis  , Frew  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundSeasonal allergic rhinitis is often regarded as a trivial condition which patients should treat themselves. However, a significant proportion of sufferers are not fully controlled on standard hay fever medication, either because they do not use it properly or because their symptoms are resistant to standard therapy. The latter group may be suitable for allergen immunotherapy, which was once widely available in UK general practice but is now only available through specialist centres.AimsTo describe the symptom control of patients with hay fever, to assess concordance with prescribed medication, and to estimate the number of patients who may benefit from referral for allergen immunotherapy.SettingGeneral practices in Hampshire and Dorset, UK.MethodSurvey of adult hay fever sufferers prescribed a non‐sedating antihistamine and nasal steroid spray by their general practitioner. A postal questionnaire was sent to all eligible patients aged 16–64 registered with 16 general practices. Self‐assessment of symptom control and reported compliance with medication were used to identify those patients who were suboptimally controlled and might therefore benefit from immunotherapy.ResultsEight hundred and forty‐six out of 62 500 registered patients aged 16–64 (1.4%) were receiving both drugs, and responses were received from 627 (74.1%); 526 of these met the full entry criteria. One hundred and forty‐two patients (27.0%) were using both types of drug regularly. Of the 142 patients using optimum pharmacotherapy, 54 (38.0%) reported good control of their hay fever symptoms. The remaining 62.0% experienced troublesome residual symptoms and described symptom control as partial or poor. Among those using suboptimal pharmacotherapy, 181/376 (48.1%) reported good control.ConclusionMany patients are using treatment inappropriately. Current guidelines need to be applied better but there is also a significant burden of residual symptoms, even among those receiving current optimal therapy. This indicates a need for patients with severe summer hay fever to receive specialist assessment.