bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the FemoStop device and manual pressure in reducing groin puncture site complications following coronary angioplasty and coronary stent placement
Authors: Walker Sandra Beverley , Cleary Sonja , Higgins Monica 
Published: March 2003

This study compared two techniques, the FemoStop device (RADI Medical Systems, Uppsala, Sweden) and manual pressure, currently used by nurses to achieve haemostasis at the groin puncture site following removal of femoral arterial sheaths in patients following coronary angioplasty and coronary stent placement. Participants were randomly allocated the FemoStop device or manual pressure. Participants’ groins were observed for evidence of complications including haemorrhage, haematoma formation and pseudoaneurysm following removal of the femoral arterial sheath and the following day. Of the 274 participants recruited into the study, 5.5% (n = 15) were unable to be included as a result of the absence of data on the Angioplasty Record of Care Form (n = 5) or excessive bleeding at the groin puncture site (n = 10). This left 259 eligible participants. Of these, 18.1% (n = 47) did not have their groin puncture site inspected by a post‐procedural observer, thereby reducing the number of participants eligible to complete all stages of the study to 212. The results showed that the presence of a haematoma on removal of the femoral arterial sheath had a significant relationship with the type of treatment used, with those participants in the FemoStop device group showing a greater incidence of haematoma development at the time of sheath removal than those in the manual pressure group. No significant difference was detected in haematoma formation or bleeding between the two groups as a result of the risk factors identified in the literature, including participant anxiety, weight or anticoagulant therapy. There was not any significant difference between the two groups in reported pain during removal of the femoral arterial sheath; however, there was a significant distinction in the amount of time taken to achieve haemostasis. The results showed that haemostasis was achieved more quickly in those participants in the manual pressure group than those in the FemoStop group.The results of this research study indicate that although manual pressure achieved haemostasis more quickly than the FemoStop device, both methods are as effective in reducing groin complications in patients following removal of the femoral arterial sheath following coronary angioplasty and stent placement.
Hepatitis E infection in children: Study of an outbreak
Authors: Arora Narender , Panda Subrat , Nanda Santosh , Ansari Israrul , Joshi Seema , Dixit Rajesh , Bathla Rajni 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for most of the hepatitis epidemics in the developing world and it frequently affects young adults. Therefore, common perception is that it does not affect children.
Methods
: A group of 20 school children (13 years old) were possibly exposed to hepatitis E virus infection during a 2 day trekking trip. Epidemiological and clinical information was correlated to the presence of the hepatitis E virus genome and antibodies to HEV structural and non‐structural proteins found in the blood of the children, using polymerase chain reaction and line immunoassay techniques.
Results
: Ten children developed icteric hepatitis, seven prodrome‐like illness without jaundice while three remained asymptomatic. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to open reading frame (ORF)2 protein (pORF2) were detected in all 19 children tested, whereas 11 and 10 of the children were positive for IgM antibodies against ORF1 (pORF1) and ORF3 (pORF3) proteins, respectively. The rate of HEV infection was found to be 85%. Viraemia was observed in 11 children and was present in four of the seven anicteric patients (55%) compared with six of the nine (66%) icteric patients. One child without any symptom also had viraemia.
Conclusions
: The data obtained indicate a high susceptibility of children for HEV infection and a frequently prolonged viraemia in those infected.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Prediction of oesophagogastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Ng Fook‐Hong , Wong Siu‐Yin , Loo Ching‐Kong , Lam Kwong‐Ming , Lai Chi‐Wing , Cheng Chi‐Sing 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: All patients with liver cirrhosis are recommended for evaluation of oesophagogastric varices (EGV) regularly. This prospective study was designed to develop a predictive model for EGV in cirrhotic patients.
Methods
: Ninety‐two patients were recruited. From all patients studied, the size of palpable spleen, liver chemistry value, platelet count, prothrombin time, diameter of main portal vein and splenic length as assessed by ultrasonography were determined. Upper endoscopy was performed. Oesophageal varices (EV) and gastric varices (GV) were graded (EV, grade 1–4; GV, grade 1–3). In the predictive model, the EGV was classified into two grades (low, grade 1–2 EV or grade 1 GV; high, grade 3–4 EV or grade 2–3 GV).
Results
: There were 53 patients with EGV and 39 patients without EGV as determined by endoscopy. Patients with EGV had a significantly higher degree of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, lower platelet count and longer splenic length than those without EGV. Low platelet count and presence of ascites were the significant independent predictors for high‐grade EGV (concordance rate 0.83). The optimal critical value for the platelet count was 150 × 10
9/L. Of patients without thrombocytopenia and ascites, 37% had low‐grade EGV but none had high‐grade EGV, whereas 38 and 35% of patients with thrombocytopenia or ascites had low and high‐grade EGV, respectively. Therefore, this predictive model for high‐grade varices had a positive and negative predictive value of 35 and 100%, respectively.
Conclusion
: Endoscopic screening for EGV was not necessary until thrombocytopenia or ascites occurred.
C ASE R	EPORT: Occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma 4.5 years after successful treatment with virus clearance for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Miyano Shintaro , Togashi Hitoshi , Shinzawa Haruhide , Sugahara Kazuhiko , Matsuo Taku , Takeda Yoshio , Saito Koji , Saito Takafumi , Ishiyama Shuichi , Kaneko Masayuki , Takahashi Tsuneo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 67‐year‐old man with hepatitis C virus infection and histological features of chronic active hepatitis was treated with human recombinant interferon alpha‐2b. He responded successfully to interferon with normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase and continuous eradication of hepatitis C virus. However, 4.5 years after the end of interferon therapy, hepatocellular carcinoma, 20 mm in diameter, was detected by routine ultrasonographic screening. The patient underwent surgical treatment for resection of the hepatocellular carcinoma. The non‐cancerous liver tissue was histologically normal. This suggests that patients who have shown a complete response to interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C should be followed up closely.
No evidence of increased risk of colorectal cancer in individuals heterozygous for the Cys282Tyr haemochromatosis mutation
Authors: Macdonald Graeme A , Tarish Jabsar , Whitehall Vicki Jl , M Sally J , Mellick George D , Buttenshaw Ron L , Johnson Anthony G , Young Joanne , Leggett Barbara A 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Previous studies have suggested that increased body iron stores and heterozygosity for haemochromatosis are associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. The aim of this study is to determine if there is an association between (i) colorectal carcinoma and heterozygosity for the Cys282Tyr mutation of the haemochromatosis gene (HFE) and (ii) this mutation and tumour site or stage.
Methods
: Two hundred and twenty‐nine unselected patients (127 males, 102 females, mean age 68.0 years) with sporadic colorectal carcinoma and 228 controls (145 males, 83 females, mean age 69.7 years) were studied. DNA was tested for the presence of the Cys282Tyr mutation by digestion with Rsa1 and fragments separated by electrophoresis.
Results
: Twenty‐one patients with colorectal cancer and 23 control subjects were heterozygous for the Cys282Tyr mutation of HFE (relative risk 0.90). There was no association between heterozygosity of the Cys282Tyr mutation and tumour site or stage.
Conclusions
: Heterozygosity for the Cys282Tyr mutation of HFE does not appear to be a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Role of endothelin‐1 in congestive gastropathy in portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Migoh Shinichiro , Hashizume Makoto , Tsugawa Kouji , Tanoue Kazuo , Sugimachi Keizo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The aim of this study was to determine the role of endothelin (ET)‐1 in portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) under portal hypertension, in order to investigate whether the ETA/B receptor inhibitor improves the permeability of gastric mucosal microvessels in PHG.
Methods and Results
: Portal hypertensive rats (PVL) and sham‐operated rats (CTR) were prepared and then the concentration of plasma ET‐1 was measured and the vasopressor response to ET‐1 was compared between the two groups. The plasma ET‐1 levels in PVL increased significantly compared with CTR; however, the vasopressor response to ET‐1 in PVL decreased more than in CTR. Next, the portal venous pressure was measured in both CTR and PVL pretreated with or without a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, NG‐nitro‐
L‐arginine methyl ester (
L‐NAME), before the injection of ET‐1. The portal venous pressure of PVL after receiving ET‐1 and being pretreated with
L‐NAME significantly increased in comparison to the pressure of PVL treated with ET‐1 alone (without
L‐NAME). Moreover, Evans‐Blue was injected into each rat and the absorbancy of the gastric contents was measured. The absorbancy of Evans‐Blue in PVL increased significantly compared with CTR; however, the absorbancy in PVL + ETA/B receptor inhibitor (Ro47–0203) decreased significantly more than in PVL.
Conclusions
: This study showed that ET‐1 is a potent vasoconstrictive substance that also has a transitory vasodilative response through NO induced by ET‐1 in portal hypertension. In addition, it was found that the vascular permeability of the gastric mucosa increased in portal hypertension and that Ro47‐0203 inhibited the hyper‐permeability. Accordingly, ET‐1 may, thus, play an important role in the development of PHG through NO induced by ET‐1. Ro47‐0203 may, therefore, be a useful substance for improving PHG in portal hypertension.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and smoking and drinking habits
Authors: Ogihara Atsushi , Kikuchi Shogo , Hasegawa Ayako , Kurosawa Michiko , Miki Kazumasa , Kaneko Eizo , Mizukoshi Hiroshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of various gastroduodenal diseases. Some risk factors related to H. pylori infection have been reported; however, studies on the relationship between H. pylori infection and smoking or drinking habits have given conflicting results. In the present study, these relationships were investigated by collecting sera and information from 8837 subjects.
Methods
: Serum H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibody was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. In addition to sex and age, information on smoking and drinking habits was collected by questionnaire. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of smoking and alcohol consumption were calculated for H. pylori seropositivity using logistic regression models.
Results
: Current smokers had a 0.82 (0.74–0.91)‐fold greater risk of H. pylori seropositivity than those who had never smoked. Current cigarette consumption showed a dose‐dependently negative association with H. pylori seropositivity, and the association between smoking and H. pylori infection was strong in younger subjects. Current drinkers had a 0.88 (0.79–0.98)‐fold greater risk of H. pylori seropositivity than those who had never drunk alcohol. The volume of alcohol consumed showed a negative association with H. pylori seropositivity.
Conclusions
: In the current study, smoking was negatively associated with H. pylori infection. The risk of H. pylori seropositivity decreased linearly with cigarette consumption per day. Increased gastric acidity in the stomach through smoking may be a cause of the dose‐dependently negative association between H. pylori and smoking. Drinking was negatively and dose‐dependently associated with H. pylori positivity, although the effect of drinking was weaker than that of smoking.© 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Use of a dry latex agglutination test to measure eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Midolo Peter D , Dakic Bilijana , Nicholson Lesley , Lambert John R , Lin Shaokai , Russell Edward G 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Methods
: A total antibody latex serology test was compared with enzyme immunoassay serology after treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in 22 patients.
Results
: Nineteen patients were cured of infection, but only nine (47%) were negative by the latex test after 6 months. However a significant decline in immunoglobulin (Ig)G was seen in 90% of the cured patients.
Conclusions
: Although the latex test is suitable for initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection, it is not suitable for monitoring treatment success. A decline in IgG of more than 40% correlates well with successful eradication of H. pylori.© 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Treatment of hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Pianko Stephen , McHutchison John G 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHepatitis C is a worldwide problem that frequently results in end‐stage liver disease and its complications. Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been rather ineffective but several recent studies have clarified the role of interferon and ribavirin therapy. In line with therapeutic progress in HIV infection, hepatitis C is now entering the era of multidrug antiviral therapy. Ribavirin is an orally active synthetic guanosine analogue with theoretical antiviral and immunomodulatory actions. In this review we have evaluated the role of interferon and ribavirin in treatment‐naive patients, relapsers and non‐responders. In naive patients the combination results in improved end‐of‐treatment and sustained response rates, with an overall 41% sustained virological response rate in patients treated for 48 weeks. Therapeutic benefit also extends to the traditionally difficult to treat patients (genotype 1, high viral load and advanced fibrosis). The addition of ribavirin to interferon has also resulted in an increased toxicity profile, which has made therapy more difficult for both the patient and managing physician. However, the significant improvement in response rates for all patients makes combination therapy the most appropriate choice as the first‐line therapy for suitable patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. Appropriate management with interferon and ribavirin includes assessing the patient’s HCV genotype to determine the optimal duration of therapy, assessing therapeutic efficacy by measuring HCV‐RNA at 24 weeks and monitoring for the additional ribavirin side‐effects.
Natural history of hepatitis B virus infection in children
Authors: Chang Mei‐Hwei 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during childhood can cause acute, fulminant or chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Approximately 90% of the infants of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seropositive mothers become hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. Children chronically infected are mostly asymptomatic. Although liver damage is usually mild during childhood, severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, may develop insidiously for 2–7 years. Spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion occurs gradually as the age of the child increases. Viral replication is reduced during this process, which is usually preceded by an elevation of aminotransferases. In a long‐term follow‐up study, the annual HBeAg seroconversion rate was 4–5% in children older than 3 years of age and less than 2% in children under 3 years. The annual seroconversion rate of HBsAg was very low (0.56%). Age at infection, maternal HBsAg and HBeAg status, host immune status, and possibly the HBV strain are the main factors determining the course of HBV infection in children.
Impact of alcohol on the ability of Kupffer cells to produce chemokines and its role in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Bautista Abraham P 
Published: March 2003

AbstractChemokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease in humans and in experimental models of alcohol intoxication. The major sources of these chemokines are Kupffer cells which represent more than 80% of tissue macrophages in the body. Kupffer cells are highly responsive to the effects of ethanol, endotoxin and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 glycoprotein120. These agents, either independently or in combination, may exacerbate the production of chemokines. Chemokines are agents that are highly chemotactic to mononuclear cells and granulocytes. The levels of these chemokines in sera and tissue are elevated in patients with alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, diseased livers, viral hepatitis, and in experimental models of chronic alcohol intoxication. Alcohol‐induced influx of endotoxin from the gut into the portal circulation is suggested to play an important role in the activation of Kupffer cells which leads to enhanced chemokine release. The up‐regulation of chemokines during alcohol consumption is selective. During the early phase of alcoholic liver disease, C‐X‐C or α‐ chemokines predominate. This is also associated with neutrophilic infiltration of the liver. In the later stage, up‐regulation of C‐C or β‐chemokine production and migration of mononuclear cells into the liver are observed, and this may lead to liver cirrhosis. Selective up‐regulation of chemokine synthesis and release may involve differential modulation of the transcription factors required for chemokine gene expression. Increased cytokine release following alcohol consumption may also regulate chemokine secretion in Kupffer cells via paracrine and autocrine mechanisms and vice versa. In addition, infection with HIV‐1 may further compromise the liver to more damage. During HIV‐1 infection, a pre‐existing liver disease superimposed on chronic alcohol consumption may also exacerbate HIV‐1 replication and lymphocytic infiltration in the liver, because of the ability of HIV‐1 gp120 to stimulate chemokine production by Kupffer cells and stimulate migration of inflammatory leucocytes in the liver.
Haemorrhagic cerebral sinus thrombosis associated with ulcerative colitis: A case report of successful treatment by anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Urabe Mitsuyo , Bamba Hiromichi , Andoh Akira , Sasaki Masaya , Koyama Shigeki , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Bamba Tadao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 29‐year‐old man with ulcerative colitis was admitted to our hospital because of convulsions and a headache. Before admission, oral prednisolone had been administered due to his ulcerative colitis relapse. Computed tomography revealed a low‐density area in the right frontal pole suggestive of a venous infarction. Once his headache and convulsions improved after the administration of an anti‐epileptic drug, he began to complain of right arm numbness and right hemianopsia again. An urgent magnetic resonance imaging angiograph showed extensive thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus. We finally used the anticoagulant agents, heparin and urokinase, which eased his complaints and prevented the development of bloody stools. He was discharged with no neurological symptoms 25 days after admission. This is a rare case of sinus thrombosis complicated by ulcerative colitis, in which anticoagulant therapy was successful. Magnetic resonance imaging angiography was useful for the diagnosis and for evaluating the therapeutic effect.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for intractable colonic bleeding in a patient with cirrhosis
Authors: Malki Sina , Allen Robert , Pavli Paul 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA patient with portal hypertension due to alcoholic liver disease developed colonic bleeding that responded to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) after the failure of other measures. This case illustrates that TIPS should be considered in the treatment of colonic, as well as upper gastrointestinal, bleeding associated with portal hypertension.
Reactive oxygen and mechanisms of inflammatory liver injury
Authors: Jaeschke Hartmut 
Published: March 2003

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are important cytotoxic and signalling mediators in the pathophysiology of inflammatory liver diseases. They can be generated by resident and infiltrating phagocytes and/or intracellularly in every liver cell type after stimulation with cytokines. Although ROS are able to cause cell destruction by massive lipid peroxidation, in most cases, ROS are more likely to modulate signal transduction pathways by affecting redox‐sensitive enzymes, organelles (e.g. mitochondria) and transcription factors. Thus, ROS can directly induce and/or regulate apoptotic and necrotic cell death. In addition, ROS can have indirect effects on the pathophysiology by supporting protease activity through inactivation of antiproteases and by modulating the formation of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules. Many of the effects of ROS may occur simultaneously or sequentially in the pathophysiology. Although mainly described in this review as detrimental, ROS are essential for host‐defence functions of phagocytes and can modulate the formation of mediators involved in regulating sinusoidal blood flow and liver regeneration. Thus, continuous efforts are necessary to improve our understanding of the role of ROS in the pathophysiology of inflammatory liver diseases and to discover therapeutic interventions that selectively target the negative effects of reactive oxygen formation.
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with distant metastases, successfully treated by a combination therapy of α‐interferon and oral tegafur/uracil
Authors: Miyamoto Atsushi , Umeshita Koji , Sakon Masato , Nagano Hiroaki , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kishimoto Shin‐Ichi , Dono Keizo , Nakamori Shoji , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Monden Morito 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report a case of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), successfully treated by a combination therapy of α‐interferon (IFN‐α) and tegafur/uracil (UFT). A 44‐year‐old Japanese man who underwent a partial hepatectomy for HCC developed tumor recurrence in the liver 10 months after surgery. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TAE) was performed twice within 7 months, but was ineffective. Later, multiple metastatic lesions appeared in the liver, lung and spine. Following the third TAE, a combination therapy of IFN‐α (10 × 10 6 units, i.m., t.i.w.) and UFT (300 mg, p.o.d.) was started. The treatment resulted in a fall in serum PIVKA‐II (protein induced by vitamin K antagonism) levels from 906 mAU to normal levels and a complete resolution of all lung nodules within 6 months. At the latest follow up 24 months after the initiation of combination treatment, the patient was working full‐time and showed no evidence of tumor relapse. A combination therapy of IFN‐α and UFT may be promising for the treatment of advanced HCC.