bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Swim up and Percoll Treatment on Viability and Acrosome Integrity of Frozen–thawed Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Somfai T , Bodó S , Nagy S , Papp ÁB , Iváncsics J , Baranyai B , Gócza E , Kovács A 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the swim up and Percoll methods to select frozen–thawed bull spermatozoa with high quality membrane and acrosomal integrity and final concentration. Semen samples from six Holstein–Friesian bulls were examined. The whole experiment was repeated three times. Before and after both treatments, spermatozoa were subjected to a double‐staining method and evaluated by brightfield light microscope using 40× dry, or 100× oil immersion objectives. The concentration of spermatozoa evaluated by haemocytometer was 8.8 × 107/ml after thawing, and the percentage of live cells with intact acrosome was 45.8%. Both treatments significantly increased the proportion of live spermatozoa compared with no treatment, and the use of Percoll gradient resulted in a significantly higher percentage of living cells with an intact acrosome (88.2%) than the swim up method (69.4%). The concentration of spermatozoa after Percoll separation (9.3 × 106/ml) was higher than that after the swim up method (5.8 × 106/ml). These results indicate that spermatozoa with a higher viability and acrosome integrity can be obtained by Percoll separation than by the swim up method. Therefore the use of Percoll‐treated spermatozoa in IVF systems can be more expedient.
Patterns of Follicular Growth in Superovulated Sheep and Influence on Endocrine and Ovarian Response
Authors: Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Garcia‐Garcia RM , Souza CJH , Santiago‐Moreno J , Lopez‐Sebastian A , Cocero MJ , Baird DT 
Published: March 2003

ContentsObjectives of this study were to characterize patterns of follicular development in sheep superovulated with purified follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (OVAGENTM, ICP, Auckland, New Zealand) and to determine its influence on preovulatory events (onset of the oestrus behaviour and timing of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge) and ovarian response (ovulation rate and embryo yield). Number and size of all ≥ 23 mm follicles from the first FSH injection to withdrawal of progestagen sponges was determined by transrectal ultrasonography just prior to every FSH injection in nine Manchega ewes superovulated with eight decreasing doses (ml) (1.5 × 3, 1.25 × 2 and 1 × 3) of OVAGEN injected twice daily from 60 h before to 24 h after the withdrawal of 40 mg fluorogestone acetate sponges. Oestrous detection and jugular blood sampling for LH radioimmunoassay were performed every 3 h from 14 to 53 h after sponge removal and ovulation rate and number of embryos were determined 4 days after progestagen withdrawal. Administration of OVAGEN induced a significant rise (p < 0.0005) in the number of follicles ≥ 4 mm in size because of an increased growth in size of follicles from the first FSH injection to sponge removal, an increase in the number of newly detected follicles from 12 to 36 h of the first FSH dose (p < 0.005) and a decrease in regression rate from 24 h (p < 0.001). The number of follicles 2–3 mm in size at first FSH dose (10.4 ± 1.5) was positively correlated with the number of ≥ 4 mm follicles at 0 h (19.0 ± 2.7, p < 0.01). A higher number of ≥ 4 mm follicles at 0 h was related with an earlier appearance of oestrus (31.5 ± 1.5 h, p = 0.08) and LH surge (45.0 ± 2.3 h, p < 0.005), and a higher ovulation rate (18.2 ± 3.8, p < 0.005). On the other hand, the rate of embryo recovery was decreased in ewes with earlier preovulatory LH peaks (p < 0.005), with a shorter interval between oestrus and LH peak (p < 0.05).
Meiotic Response of In vitro Matured Canine Oocytes under Different Proteins and Heterologous Hormone Supplementation
Authors: Rodrigues BA , Rodrigues JL 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThe impact of TCM‐199 supplemented with different proteins and heterologous hormones on the in vitro maturation (IVM) rate of bitch oocytes was evaluated by nuclear staining under fluorescence microscopy.Oocytes were recovered by slicing of ovaries from bitches presented at various stages of oestrous cycle to ovariohysterectomy.The basic culture medium was TCM‐199 supplemented with 25 mM Hepes/l, with 10% heat‐inactivated oestrous cow serum (ECS), 50 μg/ml gentamicin, 2.2 mg/ml sodium bicarbonate and 22‐μg/ml pyruvic acid, 1.0‐μg/ml oestradiol (E 8875; Sigma), 0.5‐μg/ml follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) (Folltropin‐V; Vetrepharm Inc., Ontario, Canada) and 0.03 IU/ml human gonadotropin (hCG) (Profasi HP; Serono, Aubonne, Switzerland). Oocytes were distributed randomly between basic culture medium (control) and the corresponding experimental treatment. Hormone treatments were: oocytes cultured in; (1) medium without FSH, (2) control medium supplemented with 20 μg/ml oestradiol, or (3) medium supplemented with 1 μg/ml human somatotropin (hST; Humatrope, Lilly, Saint Cloud, France). The second experiment consisted of oocytes cultured in medium supplemented with 0.4% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA, fraction V; Gibco Grand Island, NY, USA) instead of ECS, or oocytes cultured in medium with 10% inactivated oestrous bitch serum (EBS) instead of ECS. Oocytes were cultured in 100 μl droplets (up to 25 oocytes per drop) under mineral oil at 37°C in a 100% humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in air.After 72 h of IVM, the highest rates (p < 0.05) of meiotic resumption were achieved with the 0.4% BSA supplementation. A positive influence on the metaphase II (MII) acquisition rate was observed with hST supplement. Oocytes cultured with 10% EBS supplementation did not develop to the MII stage.The results in this study show that the protein and hormone supplements to TCM‐199 culture medium tested did not promote the final steps of IVM of bitch oocytes.
Mental health quality improvement: What about ethics?
Authors: Horsfall Jan , Cleary Michelle 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:Nurses are increasingly developing and coordinating quality improvement projects under the auspices of state, area health service and organization policies, however, ethical frameworks are commonly absent. This study aims to define key terms, provide an overview of current policy in relation to ethics and outline some procedures and processes for mental health nurses involved in such projects. The use of appropriate ethical frameworks has the potential to foster participation and safeguard participants by providing a greater assurance of integrity and confidentiality regarding quality improvement data collection, utilization and dissemination.
Behavioural psychotherapy training for nurses in Australia: A trainee's view
Authors: Oakes Jane , Tolchard Barry , Thomas Lyndall , Battersby Malcolm 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: The training and outcomes for a mental health nurse, who completed a 6‐month nurse behavioural psychotherapy course at Flinders Medical Centre (Bedford Park, South Australia) is described. Completion of this course enabled the nurse to work mainly with pathological gamblers as a trainee nurse behaviour therapist. Her experience demonstrates that with appropriate training and supervision, mental health nurses are able to increase their knowledge base in specialist areas and gain skills in therapies that will allow them to work autonomously with clients. A brief description of the training, outcome of patient case management and skills acquisition achieved through training is presented.
Promoting the nursing profession: The perceptions of non‐English‐speaking background high school students in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Chin Joh , Yam Bernard 
Published: March 2003

Promoting the nursing profession: The perceptions of non‐English‐speaking background high school students in Sydney, Australia By using an ethnographic approach, this paper explores the perceptions of nursing among the non‐English‐speaking background high school students in Sydney, and describes how the nursing profession could be promoted to them. A volunteer sample of four groups of high school students with parents from Lebanon, Vietnam, Korea and mainland China were recruited. In‐depth focus group interviews were conducted. Through constant comparison of categories, 10 concepts emerged from the three major themes to describe the students’ career preferences and their influencing factors; their image of nursing and their suggestions on how nursing could be promoted to them. These findings highlighted the significance of social, cultural and political factors that influenced the students’ perceptions of nursing and their career choice. Implications and suggestions for marketing and recruitment strategies are discussed.
Clinical relevance of viral dynamics and genotypes in hepatitis B virus
Authors: LOCARNINI STEPHEN A 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Advances in molecular diagnostic technology make it possible to accurately measure viral loads and this has allowed the detailed study of viral dynamics of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Following antiviral therapy, there are at least two phases of viral load decay: one corresponding to clearance of free virions and a second, slower phase corresponding to eradication of infected cells. Application of mathematical models allows for the assessment of antiviral efficacy and improved design of therapeutic regimens. The clinical application of these tools should help optimize patient outcome. Another advantage of molecular diagnostics is characterization of the heterogeneity of viruses in particular patient populations under selective pressure situations. The HBV can be classified into seven major genotypes (A–G) that have mainly a geographic distribution. Recent genotypic studies have revealed the clinical and therapeutic relevance of viral genotyping in HBV infections.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Herbal medicines for liver diseases in India
Authors: THYAGARAJAN SP , JAYARAM S , GOPALAKRISHNAN V , HARI R , JEYAKUMAR P , SRIPATHI MS 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  The use of natural remedies for the treatment of liver diseases has a long history, starting with the Ayurvedhic treatment, and extending to the Chinese, European and other systems of traditional medicines. The 21st century has seen a paradigm shift towards therapeutic evaluation of herbal products in liver diseases by carefully synergizing the strengths of the traditional systems of medicine with that of the modern concept of evidence‐based medicinal evaluation, standardization of herbal products and randomized placebo controlled clinical trials to support clinical efficacy. The present review provides the status report on the scientific approaches made to herbal preparations used in Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of liver diseases. In spite of the availability of more than 300 preparations for the treatment of jaundice and chronic liver diseases in Indian systems of medicine using more than 87 Indian medicinal plants, only four terrestrial plants have been scientifically elucidated while adhering to the internationally acceptable scientific protocols. In‐depth studies have proved Sylibum marianum to be anti‐oxidative, antilipidperoxidative, antifibrotic, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulating and liver regenerative. Glycyrrhiza glabra has been shown to be hepatoprotective and capable of inducing an indigenous interferon. Picrorhiza kurroa is proved to be anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory. Extensive studies on Phyllanthus amarus have confirmed this plant preparation as being anti‐viral against hepatitis B and C viruses, hepatoprotective and immunomodulating, as well as possessing anti‐inflammatory properties. For the first time in the Indian systems of medicine, a chemo‐biological fingerprinting methodology for standardization of P. amarus preparation has been patented.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Hepatitis C virus: Clades and properties
Authors: HOWARD COLIN R 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. At present HCV is classified into a discrete hepacivirus genus and is represented by six clades according to genome sequencing. Each clade is further divisible into subtypes, which may prove important for the study of clinical differences and epidemiological studies. Limited homology also exists with hepatitis G/GB viruses, despite the fact that the hepatotropic nature of the latter agents remains contentious. The variability amongst the six HCV clades is less than that observed between the four serotypes of dengue, suggesting that each clade may represent a distinct virus were tests such as plaque neutralization to become available for delineating HCV isolates. The distribution worldwide varies, with Clades 1 and 2 predominating in most regions—an important consideration for the development of any vaccine. In addition, the clade distribution among cohorts may vary according to age. Point source outbreaks of HCV, for example in large numbers of women inadvertently infected with HCV‐contaminated anti‐D globulin, offers an opportunity to study the evolution of HCV genotypes over several decades. Parallel studies in chimpanzees have shown that the hypervariable region of E2 may play a role in HCV immunity, with quasispecies rapidly replacing the predominant subtype as immunity develops to the initiating virus strain. There is some evidence that an IFN‐sensitive motif exists in the NS5 gene which may have some predictive value in determining the likely outcome of IFN treatment. A database is available for all HCV sequences, together with information about their properties and guidance for the evaluation of new isolates (http://s2as02.genes.nig.ac.jp).© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Intraportal perfusion of prostaglandin E1 attenuates hepatic postischaemic microcirculatory impairments in rats
Authors: Iwata Kenji , Shimazu Motohide , Wakabayashi Go , Ohshima Atsushi , Yoshida Masashi , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: March 2003

Background: The efficacy of intraportal perfusion with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in decreasing postischaemic hepatic microcirculatory damage was studied in rats. Methods: An extrahepatic portosystemic shunt was created by attaching the spleen to a subcutaneous site on the left lateral wall of the abdomen in male Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 350 g. Four weeks later, when the shunt was mature, the portal vein and hepatic artery were occluded for 60 min. The animals were divided into the following three groups according to the type of intraportal perfusion during the ischaemic phase: group 1 consisted of untreated animals; group 2, animals perfused with lactated Ringer’s solution; and group 3, animals perfused with PGE1 (0.1 μg/kg per min). The hepatic microcirculation was observed under an inverted intravital microscope after the injection of fluorescent dyes to label leucocytes and damaged cells 30 and 60 min after reperfusion. The liver was removed 60 min after reperfusion and stained immunohistochemically using 1A29, an anti‐rat intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) antibody. Results: The leucocyte velocity during reperfusion was lowest in group 1 and highest in group 3. Of the three groups, group 3 showed the least leucocyte adhesion to the sinusoidal walls and terminal venules, the lowest damaged cell count and the lowest ICAM‐1 expression on the sinusoidal walls. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that hepatic perfusion with PGE1 markedly alleviates microcirculatory damage associated with ischaemia and reperfusion through the inhibition of leucocyte–endothelium interactions.
Alpha‐interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis due to active dual infection with hepatitis B and C viruses
Authors: Guptan Rc , Thakur V , Raina V , Sarin Sk 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Nearly 14% of non‐alcoholic chronic liver disease in India is related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) dual infection. There are no clear data available from the literature on the therapeutic management of these patients who often suffer an unfavourable course.
Methods
: Fourteen consecutive cases of biopsy‐proven chronic liver disease fulfilling the following criteria were included: Child’s A or B liver disease, hepatitis B surface antigen positive, HBV‐DNA positive, antibody to HCV positive and HCV‐RNA positive. Seven patients had chronic liver disease (group I), while the remaining seven patients (group II) had additional disorders (non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (two), acute leukaemia (two), thalassaemia (two), chronic renal failure (one). Interferon alpha‐2b (IFN) was given in a dose of 6 MIU thrice weekly for 6 months. Complete response was defined as loss of HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA at 6 months and sustained response (SR) as the sustained loss of HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA for more than 6 months during the follow‐up period.
Results
: At the end of 6 months, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels remained unchanged (120 ± 40 vs 136 ± 64 IU/L), but six of the seven (86%) patients in group I lost HBV‐DNA. All three hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients lost HBeAg with an early flare of ALT (at 45 ± 12 therapy days). Two of these patients (29%) lost HCV‐RNA. Thus, SR was seen in 29%, while HBV‐DNA loss was found in 100% during the follow‐up period. In group II patients, there was a significant decrease in ALT (308 ± 14 vs 65 ± 25 IU/L, P < 0.001), but only three (43%) patients lost HBV‐DNA and two (29%) lost HCV‐RNA. One patient with acute leukaemia and another with renal failure had a complete response to IFN, but none of the lymphoma patients showed any antiviral response.
Conclusions
: In chronic hepatitis due to dual infection with HBV and HCV, interferon therapy is: (i) safe; (ii) effective (more so in clearing HBV); (iii) often associated with early ALT flare; and (iv) may be less effective if non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma is present.
Transfusion‐transmitted virus infection in China: Prevalence in blood donors and in patients with liver diseases
Authors: He Chuan , Nomura Fumio , Yukimasa Nobuyasu , Itoga Sakae , Yamada‐Osaki Maki , Sumazaki Ryo , Nakai Toshiaki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Prevalence of transfusion‐transmitted virus (TTV) infection among blood donors and in patients with liver diseases in China was studied.
Methods
: DNA was extracted from serum and amplified by seminested polymerase chain reaction with reported primer sets from a conserved region of the TTV genome.
Results
: TT Virus DNA was detected in 55 of 196 blood donors (28%); 31% (40 of 127) in the north and 22% (15 of 69) in the south. TT Virus DNA was also detected in 14 of 31 patients (45%) with non‐A–non‐G fulminant hepatitis and in eight of 25 patients (32%) with non‐A–non‐G chronic hepatitis. The rate of TTV viraemia in these patients with liver disease was comparable to that in blood donors. TT Virus DNA sequencing of 12 isolates showed that the prevalence of genotype 2 was significantly higher than that reported in Japan (66.7 vs 2.6%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, genotyping assays based on restriction fragment length polymorphism were carried out on all 88 TTV DNA‐positive samples. It was found that 42 isolates (47.7%) belonged to genotype 1 and 40 (45.5%) to genotype 2. It was of particular interest that the prevalence of genotype 1 in patients with non‐A–non‐G fulminant hepatitis was significantly higher than that in blood donors (10/14 vs 22/55, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
: The data indicate that TTV infection is common in China and that the pathogenic potential of TTV toward the liver (if any) may differ between genotypes.
Is Helicobacter pylori the primary cause of duodenal ulceration?
Authors: Tovey Frank I , Hobsley Michael 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Helicobacter pylori infection may not be the primary cause of duodenal ulceration in cases not associated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, but may be a secondary complication. In developing countries with a uniformly high prevalence of H. pylori infection there are marked regional differences in the prevalence of duodenal ulcer (DU). In some countries, especially those with a low prevalence of H. pylori, 30–40% or more patients with DU may be H. pylori negative. The absence of H. pylori infection in early cases of DU is also reported. In DU patients with antral H. pylori infection, duodenal colonization by H. pylori may often be absent. After complete H. pylori eradication, recurrence of DU within 6 months in some reports is as high as 20%. The evidence suggests that high acidity and reduced duodenal mucosal resistance remain the primary causes of DU and that H. pylori infection, when present, results in chronicity. Reduced mucosal resistance results in duodenal gastric metaplasia which permits colonization of the duodenum with H. pylori from the antrum. Therefore, whatever causes reduced mucosal resistance may be the primary factor and evidence suggests that this cause may be diet related. This would explain the enigma of regional variations in DU prevalence unrelated to H. pylori prevalence.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
CASE REPORT: Hepatic involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Barak Nir , Orion Yael , Schneider Mordechai , Bernheim Joel 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThree cases of hepatic involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome are described. One patient had catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome with haemorrhages and necrosis in the liver parenchyma. The second patient had blood clots in the small hepatic vessels. The third patient had autoimmune hepatitis type I associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. Other possible hepatic manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome are also discussed.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
THE PREVALANCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN PATIENTS WITH DYSPEPSIA: REPORT FROM PERTAMINA CENTRAL HOSPITAL JAKARTA ‐ INDONESIA
Authors: Simanjuntak Weldemar , Prasetyo Haris Tri 
Published: March 2003

IntroductionHelicobacter pylori is now recognized as major cause of upper gastrointestinal diseases and has a world wide distribution in the normal population. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Asia Pacific countries, varies from 20 to 90 %. This study was performed to document the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia in our hospital.Patients and MethodFrom June 1997 to June 1999, 428 dyspeptic patients female 222 and male 206, age 15 to 80 years were included in this study. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was detected by histopathology of biopsy specimens from antrum and gastric body, which colored by hematoksilin Eosin, Giemsa and Toluidin Blue.Result56 (13,08%) of 428 patients were Helicobacter pylori positive, 31 patients (55,4%) female and 25 patients (44,6%) were male. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients under 39 years was 33,9% (19 patients) and over 40 years was 66,1% (37 patients). According to Ethnic origin, 14 (25,0%)of 56 patients (25,0%) were Javanese, 18 patients (32,1%) Batak, 6 patients (10,7%) Sundanese and 5 patients (8,9%) were Betawi. Helicobacter pylori was not found amongst the Minangkabau patients. The histopathological finding of 56 patients showed chronic active antral gastritis in different severity, 2 patients with gastric carcinoma and 2 patients with gastric ulcer.ResultOur experience showed a low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in our hospital. We observed an increased prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients with increasing age. The prevalence was higher in female patients than in male. According to ethnic origin, Batak had higher prevalence followed by Javanese, Sundanese and Betawi.