bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embryonic stem‐cell derived neurones express a maturation dependent pattern of voltage‐gated calcium channels and calcium‐binding proteins
Authors: Arnhold Stefan , Andressen Christian , Angelov Doychin N. , Vajna Rolf , Volsen Stephen G. , Hescheler Jürgen , Addicks Klaus 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThere are remarkable changes of calcium binding proteins and voltage dependent Ca2+ channel subtypes during in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cell derived neurons. To observe these maturation dependent changes neurones were studied using combined immunohistochemical, patch clamp and videomicroscopic time lapse techniques. Embryonic stem cell derived neuronal maturation proceeds from apolar to bi‐ and multipolar neurones, expressing all Ca2+ channel subtypes. There is, however, a clear shift in channel contribution to whole cell current from apolar neurones with mainly N‐ and L‐type channel contribution in favour of P/Q‐ and R‐type participation in bi‐ and multipolar cells. Expression of the calcium binding protein parvalbumin could be detected in bipolar, while calretinin and calbindin was preferentially found in multipolar neurones. Our data provides new insights into fundamental neurodevelopmental mechanisms related to Ca2+ homeostasis, and clarifies contradictory reports on the development of Ca2+ channel expression using primary cultures of neurones already committed to certain brain compartments.
Biodegradation of Hydrogen Sulfide by a Laboratory‐Scale Immobilized Pseudomonas putida CH11 Biofilter
Authors: Chung Ying‐Chien , Huang Chihpin , Tseng Ching‐Ping 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA heterotrophic Pseudomonas putida CH11 was isolated from livestock farming wastewater and applied for the treatment of H2S‐containing gas. Extensive tests including removal characteristics, metabolic products, and removal efficiencies of H2S by P. putida CH11 were examined in batch and continuous systems. The optimum pH required to remove hydrogen sulfide was found in the range of 6–8. The maximum removal rate and the saturation constant were calculated to be Vm = 1.36 g S/day·kg dry bead and Ks = 45.9 ppm, respectively. The main metabolic product of H2S oxidation was determined to be elemental sulfur. When P. putida CH11 was immobilized within Ca alginate, the cells exhibited high H2S removal efficiency, in excess of 96%, at concentrations of hydrogen sulfide from 10 to 150 ppm (flow rates of 36 and 72 L/h). These results suggest that P. putida CH11 immobilized within Ca alginate has the potential to be used as a H2S removal agent.
γ‐Decalactone Production by Trichoderma harzianumin Stirred Bioreactors
Authors: Serrano‐Carreón Leobardo , Flores Celia , Galindo Enrique 
Published: July 2002

AbstractProduction of γ‐decalactone, a compound having peach‐like aroma characteristics, by a strain of Trichoderma harzianumis reported here for the first time. Cultures were carried out in a 14 L fermentor using castor oil as the sole carbon source. The filamentous‐like growth of the microorganism resulted in highly viscous and non‐Newtonian broths, which caused the formation of stagnant zones in the fermentor. T. harzianum was able to produce 260 mg/L of γ‐decalactone after 7 days of culture in a stirred fermenter operated at 3.3 s−1 and 1 vvm of air flow rate. The production of γ‐decalactone was mainly non‐growth associated. The use of high agitation rates—to improve mixing—resulted in celullar lysis. Cell damage occurred at volumetric power drawn as low as 0.2 W/L. Mycelial morphology (mainly hyphal thickness) changed drastically along the culture and was an important influence on the rheology of the broths. All these characteristics make this system an interesting model of study of hydrodynamically complex fermentations involving up to four phases.
Simultaneous Optimization of Feeding Rate and Operation Parameters for Fed‐Batch Fermentation Processes
Authors: Wang Feng‐Sheng , Cheng Wen‐Ming 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAn efficient method is introduced for simultaneously determining optimal polices of feeding rate and operation parameters for a fermentation process. Such an optimization problem is converted into the finite dimensional optimization problem using the control parametrization technique. The hybrid differential evolution is introduced to solve the converted problem. The optimal production rate obtained by the simultaneous optimization approach could be significantly improved with comparison to a simplified optimization problem, which is considered the optimal feed control only, as observed from the simulation results.
Analysis of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor gene and antigen levels in relation to venous thrombosis
Authors: Amini‐Nekoo Ali , Futers T. Simon , Moia Marco , Mannucci Pier M. , Grant Peter J. , Ariëns Robert A. S. 
Published: July 2002

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) inhibits tissue factor‐induced coagulation. The major part of TFPI is releasable by heparin. We recently found eight patients with thrombosis and low levels of heparin‐releasable TFPI in whom we investigated the TFPI gene for mutations. A transition of G to A coding for Valine264Methionine in the heparin‐binding domain was found. The Val264Met polymorphism had an allele frequency of 3% in 96 healthy individuals. A silent polymorphism was identified in TFPI exon IV (T→C), which does not alter Tyrosine 56. Apart from Val264Met, which was detected in one out of the eight patients, no other mutations in the TFPI gene were found in patients with low heparin‐releasable TFPI. Analysis of Val264Met in 317 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 292 controls showed no association between Val264Met and DVT. However, a study of total TFPI antigen levels in 122 DVT patients and 126 controls demonstrated an association between TFPI levels and venous thrombosis (P = 0·0001). These results provide evidence for a relationship between venous thrombosis and total TFPI level as a possible risk factor, whereas they do not support a link between DVT and mutations in the nine exons of the TFPI gene.
Circulating bile is the main factor responsible for atrial natriuretic peptide release in experimental obstructive jaundice
Authors: Martínez-Ródenas F , Pereira J A , Jiménez W , Gubern J M , Sitges-Serra A 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Biliary obstruction in the rabbit causes increased release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Circulating bile, raised biliary pressure or absence of bile in the duodenum may be implicated in this hepatocardiac syndrome.

Methods
An experimental model was developed to elucidate the mechanism linking obstructive jaundice and increased plasma ANP. Hepatic and renal function, biliary tree pressure and ANP plasma concentrations were investigated in conscious rabbits 4 and 24 h after common bile duct ligation, biliovenous shunting or external drainage via a biliary fistula.

Results
Bilirubin concentration increased after bile duct ligation and creation of a biliovenous shunt. Plasma creatinine increased abruptly in rabbits with a biliovenous shunt. At 4 h, the ANP increase in animals with a biliovenous shunt was ninefold that observed after bile duct obstruction while no change was noted after external biliary diversion (mean 350 versus 45 versus 9 fmol/l; P &lt; 0·01). Relief of biliary tree obstruction was associated with a return of ANP levels towards basal normal values.

Conclusion
Raised plasma ANP in obstructive jaundice is not the result of an increased biliary pressure per se or absence of bile in the proximal duodenum but of the passage of bile components to the circulation.
Effect of lithium γ-linolenate on the growth of experimental human pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Ravichandran D , Cooper A , Johnson C D 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
The lithium salt of γ-linolenic acid (Li-GLA) is growth inhibitory to pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and is reported to prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. The effect of Li-GLA on the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma in vivo is not known. In this study the effect of parenterally administered Li-GLA on the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice was tested.

Methods
Pancreatic tumours were produced in nude mice by subcutaneous implantation of MIA PaCa-2 cells. This cell line is sensitive to Li-GLA in vitro. Mice were randomly treated with intraperitoneal, intravenous or intratumoral Li-GLA. Each group also had controls.

Results
Both intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of Li-GLA had no significant effect on tumour growth or tumour phospholipid fatty acid composition. Intratumoral administration of Li-GLA was, however, associated with a significant antitumour effect.

Conclusion
Within the limitations of this tumour model, the benefit seen with intravenous Li-GLA in patients with pancreatic carcinoma cannot be explained by tumour growth inhibition. Local administration appears to be more effective than intravenous or intraperitoneal therapy.
Smoking may be associated with complications in diverticular disease
Authors: Papagrigoriadis S , Macey L , Bourantas N , Rennie J A 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
The vast majority of people with diverticula remain asymptomatic or develop minor symptoms while a small group develop serious complications that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The aim was to identify any risk factors predisposing to complications.

Methods
Eighty patients with diverticular disease were studied. Patients in group 1 (n = 45) with complications requiring hospitalization or surgery were compared with those in group 2 (n = 35) with asymptomatic diverticula or minor symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results
No differences in epidemiological factors, concurrent and past medical and surgical conditions or chronic medication were detected between the two groups. Generalized disease was not associated with more complications than sigmoid disease. However, smoking seemed to be an independent factor predisposing to complications; the proportion of smokers in group 1 was significantly greater (24 of 45) than that in group 2 (ten of 35) (odds ratio 2·9, P = 0·028).

Conclusion
In patients with diverticular disease, smoking is associated with an increased risk of complications.
Arterial intervention and reduction in amputation for chronic critical leg ischaemia
Authors:   FINNVASC Study Group, Luther M , Kantonen I , Lepäntalo M , Salenius J-P , Ylönen K 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Untreated chronic critical leg ischaemia (CLI) usually leads to an amputation or death of a patient. Surgical and endovascular interventions may improve arterial flow. Long infrainguinal reconstruction may be the most useful method for preventing amputations. The value of different reconstruction methods was assessed by their impact on amputation incidence.

Methods
A nationwide 2-year analysis of the incidence of major amputations and reconstructions for CLI was done in Finland (population 5·1 million). Incidences were compared in hospital regions with more than 150 000 inhabitants.

Results
The overall amputation incidence was 216 per million inhabitants per year. The corresponding incidence of arterial reconstructions was 203 per million inhabitants per year. There were large variations in the incidence of amputations and reconstructions; 20-fold differences in infrapopliteal surgical reconstructions and 30-fold differences in endovascular procedures were found. There was a correlation between a high incidence of infrapopliteal surgical reconstructions and a low incidence of amputations. This correlation was found for below-knee amputations only.

Conclusion
These results suggest that long surgical reconstructions improving perfusion directly to the ischaemic tissue can improve leg salvage.
Intraperitoneal polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia is not associated with enterocutaneous fistula
Authors: Vrijland W W , Jeekel J , Steyerberg E W , den Hoed P T , Bonjer H J 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Incisional hernia repair with prosthetic material is followed by fewer recurrences than primary repair. Polypropylene is the most commonly used prosthetic material but may cause enterocutaneous fistulas. The aim of this study was to determine whether enterocutaneous fistulas developed after incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh and to evaluate clinical outcome after incisional hernia repair.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of the outcome of incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh between 1982 and 1998 was conducted. Follow-up data were obtained from medical records and questionnaires.

Results
Polypropylene incisional hernia repair was performed in 136 patients. Median follow-up was 34 months. No enterocutaneous fistulas developed. Wound infection occurred in 6 per cent. Wound sinus formation occurred in two patients. No mesh was removed because of infection and no persisting infection of the mesh occurred.

Conclusion
Enterocutaneous fistula formation appears to be very rare after incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh, regardless of intraperitoneal placement, omental coverage or closing of the peritoneum.
Prospective 5-year audit for day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Huang A , Stinchcombe C , Phillips D , McWhinnie D L 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed as a day-case procedure but success depends on adequate recovery time, patient motivation and physical condition. To determine the proportion of patients suitable for a day-case procedure, 23-h stay and inpatient treatment, a prospective audit was introduced in 1994.

Methods
A 5-year (1994–1999) prospective annual audit was performed for all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (537 patients). In the first 3 years patients were either classified as day-case or inpatient stay; the establishment of a 23-h stay ward allowed a third option for these patients.

Results
Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including 23-h stay in the final 2 years of the audit, increased in each of the 5 years from 16 to 80 per cent. The audit loop was closed when the successful allocation rate for day-case patients was reaudited; this increased from 56 per cent in the first year to 88 per cent in the final year.

Conclusions
This audit has identified the need for extended recovery for patients undergoing more major procedures on an ambulatory basis such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Further refinements in selection criteria and improved analgesia control are needed to reduce the unexpected extended stay for day-case and ambulatory patients.
Experience of pancreaticoduodenectomy in a district general hospital
Authors: Akhtar K , Perricone V , Chang D , Watson R J 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
Long-term survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer remains very low and it is particularly important that minimal surgery-related morbidity and mortality rates are achieved. It has been stated that centres performing small numbers of proximal pancreaticoduodenectomies are likely to have high morbidity and mortality rates. The results of pancreatic surgery in a district general hospital are reported.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of all pancreaticoduodenectomies over 4 years.

Results
Twenty-one selected patients underwent proximal pancreaticoduodenectomy and two patients total pancreatectomy over a 4-year period from 1995 to 1999. The operations were performed by two surgeons with a special interest in upper gastrointestinal surgery. The median age was 62 (38–83) years. There were 14 men and nine women. Fifteen patients had adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, five had ampullary carcinoma, one duodenal carcinoma and there was one case of chronic pancreatitis. Six patients had pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) and 15 had a standard Whipple procedure. The median stay in hospital was 20 (13–26) days. Two patients had a pancreatic leak, one of whom developed an intra-abdominal abscess which was treated successfully by percutaneous drainage. Six patients experienced delayed gastric emptying, two of whom had PPPD. Both the 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were zero. The median number of lymph nodes dissected was 12 and in 11 patients no nodal metastasis was found.

Conclusions
It is possible to perform pancreatic surgery in a district general hospital and achieve results that are comparable to those of specialist centres.
Operative versus conservative management of adhesional intestinal obstruction
Authors: Mosley J G , Shoaib A 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
This prospective controlled trial was undertaken to resolve the controversy over whether intestinal obstruction due to postoperative adhesions should be managed by immediate operation or by conservative care.

Methods
A randomized prospective controlled study was undertaken of all private and public sector patients admitted under the care of one surgeon with intestinal obstruction due to postoperative adhesions over a 15-year period. The patients were randomly allocated either to immediate operation or conservative care with nasogastric aspiration and intravenous fluids. Patients managed conservatively who had not settled after 5 days were operated on. The data were analysed by Student's t test and Fisher's exact test.

Results
There were 127 patients. The two groups were statistically identical regarding age, number of previous operations and time since last operation, and heart rate, blood pressure, haemoglobin concentration, white count and urea level on admission. Sixty-three patients were treated conservatively; 22 failed to settle and were operated on, of whom 11 required a bowel resection. There were two postoperative deaths. In 64 patients treated immediately by operation, the incidence of bowel resection was not significantly reduced (22 per cent; P &gt; 0·05) but there were four postoperative deaths. There was no significant difference in the length of stay.

Conclusions
Conservative management of postoperative adhesional intestinal obstruction is safe and 65 per cent settle. In those who fail to settle there is no significantly increased risk of bowel strangulation. There is no way of identifying those who will not settle from the history or initial investigations on admission.
Telementoring in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a useful adjunct in training and assessment of higher surgical trainees
Authors: Byrne J P , Mughal M M 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
This study assessed the feasibility, safety and utility of telementoring as a training tool in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for higher surgical trainees (HST). Telementoring in LC was developed as a technique for objective assessment of performance and progress in order to help decide when an HST is competent to perform LC unsupervised.

Methods
This was a prospective study of patients attending for LC, with surgery performed by an HST, in which the laparoscopic image was relayed live to an adjoining room where a supervising consultant observed the procedure. The trainee or supervisor sought or proffered advice/assistance as appropriate, and safety, complication rates, operating time, difficulty of procedure, intervention rate and type were recorded.

Results
LC was accomplished in 33 of 34 patients enrolled; there was one conversion to an open procedure. Interaction between the HST and trainer occurred in 11 cases, by way of advice being sought or offered, and in two of these the supervisor scrubbed up and took over the operation. The rate of interaction and duration of the procedure increased with procedure difficulty, with rates of interaction for difficulty grades 1, 2 and 3 of 15 per cent (two of 13), 41 per cent (seven of 17) and 50 per cent (two of four), and overall median operating times of 35 (23–50), 45 (28–75) and 92 (45–110) min respectively.

Conclusions
Telementoring for trainees capable of performing LC is feasible and appears to be safe with a supervising surgeon situated in the immediate vicinity. Telementoring in LC is a promising tool that may provide objective assessment of a trainee's insight, skill and progress in operative performance.
Management of acute pancreatitis: a comparative audit of clinical practice against the recommendations of the British Society of Gastroenterology
Authors: Tunnemann J , Easterbrook J R , Firth J , Wedgwood K R 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
In 1998 the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) published national guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis (AP) in an attempt to improve diagnosis and reduce mortality rates. A comparative audit was undertaken of the management of AP against the BSG recommendations.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of 53 patients (median age 61 (range 24–95) years) admitted with AP during 1998 was undertaken and a comparison was made with the BSG guidelines.

Results
Some 70 per cent (n = 37) of the patients were admitted with mild AP and 30 per cent (n = 16) with severe AP. The BSG recommendations are shown in parentheses in the following text. The overall mortality rate was 17 per cent (less than 10 per cent), zero in mild AP and 56 per cent in patients with severe AP (less than 30 per cent). A correct diagnosis of AP was made within 48 h of admission in all patients (100 per cent). Severity stratification within 48 h using the Glasgow criteria and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, as suggested by the BSG, was done in approximately 80 per cent of patients.
CRP was measured in 51 per cent of the patients within the first 4 days (100 per cent) and at the end of the first week (100 per cent). Gallstones and alcohol counted for 72 per cent of causes of AP and the aetiology was determined in 77 per cent (75–80 per cent). All patients with severe AP were managed in a high-dependency or intensive therapy unit with central venous pressure monitoring and prophylactic intravenous antibiotics, and underwent dynamic computed tomography within 3–10 days of admission (100 per cent). Some 86 per cent of patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones (jaundice, deranged liver function tests, dilated CBD) underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without duct drainage and clearance.

Conclusions
Management of AP closely mirrors the BSG guidelines, but fails to fully address severity stratification with respect to LDH, CRP and Pao2 at 48 h. A thorough analysis of patients with severe AP (i.e. extent of pancreatic necrosis, onset of infection) has been undertaken to explain the mortality rate and it is proposed to prospectively audit admissions with AP in 1999 in order to close the audit loop.
Symptoms are a poor indication of severity of reflux in Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Mulligan E D , Purcell T , Lawlor P , Reynolds J V , Byrne P J 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Aims
Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have increased acid and duodenogastric reflux and impaired motility compared with non-Barrett's patients with reflux disease. Impaired sensitivity to acid infusion and distension have also been described, but the relationship of this visceral response to symptoms is unclear. A symptom index was used to compare Barrett's and non-Barrett's patients with reflux.

Methods
Patients with reflux (DeMeester score above 14) were studied with 24-h pH monitoring and manometry. An event marker recorded symptom events. An event was positive if it corresponded to a period greater than 10 s within 2 min either side of the drop in pH. The symptom index was calculated as the number of symptoms with pH less than 4/total number of symptoms × 100.

Results
Eighteen patients with Barrett's oesophagus were compared with 58 non-Barrett's patients with significant reflux.

Conclusions
Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have a low symptom index compared with non-Barrett's patients with reflux disease. This occurs despite a near 100 per cent increase in acid exposure in the Barrett's group. Symptoms are thus no guide to the severity of reflux in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. Proof of efficacy of therapeutic modalities may need physiological rather than symptom-based confirmation.