bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circle Hooks for Pacific Longliners: Not a Panacea for Marlin and Shark Bycatch, but Part of the Solution
Authors: Kaplan Isaac C. , Cox Sean P. , Kitchell James F.
Published: March 2007

Blue marlin Makaira nigricans, striped marlin Tetrapturus audax, and pelagic sharks (e.g., blue shark Prionace glauca) are commonly caught as bycatch by longline fisheries in the central North Pacific Ocean. Recently, concern has increased about depletion of these species. Modifications in longline gear may offer one solution. Here, we test the use of circle hooks, rather than the conventional tuna‐style hooks, on longlines using an ecosystem model of the central North Pacific Ocean. The simulations considered span a range of reasonable circle hook catchability and survival rates for released fish. The results suggest that if circle hooks have higher catchability than the currently used tuna‐style hooks, switching to circle hooks depletes marlin biomass by 25–40% and shark biomass by 15–35% over 30 years. However, these depletions do not occur if circle hook catchability is equal to or lower than that of tuna‐style hooks. When the effects of catch‐and‐release requirements for marlins and sharks were also considered, we found that regardless of assumptions about circle hook catchability and survival rates, a combined policy of using circle hooks and releasing sharks and marlins leads to net increases in marlin and shark abundance. The simulations show a trade‐off between the abundance of marlins and sharks and their prey items, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares and small blue sharks. There is also evidence of trophic trade‐offs between yellowfin tuna and small blue sharks and their prey, small scombrids (Auxis spp.) and mahi mahi Coryphaena hippurus. The results illustrate the importance of understanding catchability and survival rates for circle hooks compared with those for tuna‐style hooks and encourage further research in this area.
Stormwater pollutant loads modelling: epistemological aspects and case studies on the influence of field data sets on calibration and verification
Authors: Bertrand-Krajewski Jean-Luc
Published: March 2007

In urban drainage, stormwater quality models have been used by researchers and practitioners for more than 15 years. Most of them were initially developed for research purposes, and have been later on implemented in commercial software packages devoted to operational needs. This paper presents some epistemological problems and difficulties with practical consequences in the application of stormwater quality models, such as simplified representation of reality, scaling-up, over-parameterisation, transition from calibration to verification and prediction, etc. Two case studies (one to estimate pollutant loads at the outlet of a catchment, one to design a detention tank to reach a given pollutant interception efficiency), with simple and detailed stormwater quality models, illustrate some of the above problems. It is hard to find, if not impossible, an “optimum” or “best” unique set of parameters values. Model calibration and verification appear to dramatically depend on the data sets used for their calibration and verification. Compared to current practice, collecting more and reliable data is absolutely necessary.
Achieving multiple benefits from stormwater harvesting
Authors: Mitchell V.G. , Deletic A. , Fletcher T.D. , Hatt B.E. , McCarthy D.T.
Published: March 2007

As the concept of integrated urban water management is incorporated into the practice of urban water servicing, new options, such as stormwater harvesting, which can have multiple benefits, are of increasing interest. The multi-functional benefits of stormwater harvesting include the potential to enhance urban stream health through improvements to the flow regime as well as providing a valuable water supply source. This paper synthesises a current research programme being undertaken to assess the viability of, and develop recommendations for, stormwater harvesting. The design of the collection, treatment, storage, flood protection, and distribution components of an integrated system are each discussed, along with the environmental flow consequences of urban stormwater harvesting. The incorporation of swales and biofilters into the collection system was not found to lead to significant exfiltration and evaporation losses in most circumstances and so can be employed as part of the treatment train. Further treatment can be provided by WSUD-type biophysical measures such as ponds, wetlands or novelly designed biofilters or physio-chemical treatment processes. Depending on the design, the stormwater storage component may or may not provide flood protection. In many circumstances, the storage capacity requirements are not considered to be a barrier to stormwater harvesting.
Using Theory to Design an Intervention for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Farm Workers in Rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Laver Susan M. L. , Van Der Borne Bart , Kok Gerjo
Published: March 2007

A variety of primary prevention strategies are used in HIV prevention programs in Africa. However, these are often developed through intuition and the theoretical basis for many interventions is limited to the knowledge /attitude model. This Article illustrates how research findings from a base-line survey are combined with Paulo Freire's social change theory and the Ecological Model for Health Promotion to develop a participatory intervention for HIV/AIDS prevention in farm workers in Zimbabwe. The article addresses the need to focus attention on the process of change at the interpersonal level, organizational and policy levels of the community. Dialogue is central to the range of strategies proposed for the intervention. The effect will be measured through process and outcome evaluation.
Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells and Neuroepithelial Bodies in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Potential Markers of Airway Chemoreceptor Dysfunction
Authors: Cutz Ernest , Perrin Donald G. , Pan Jie , Haas Elisabeth A. , Krous Henry F.
Published: March 2007

Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC), including neuroepithelial bodies (NEB), are amine- and peptide (for example, bombesin)–producing cells that function as hypoxia/hypercapnia-sensitive chemoreceptors that could be involved in the pathophysiology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We assessed morphometrically the frequency and size of PNEC/NEB in lungs of infants who died of SIDS ( n = 21) and compared them to an equal number PNEC/NEB in lungs of age-matched control infants who died of accidental death or homicide, with all cases obtained from the San Diego SIDS/SUDC Research Project database. As a marker for PNEC/NEB we used an antibody against chromogranin A (CGA), and computer-assisted morphometric analysis was employed to determine the relative frequency of PNEC per airway epithelial area (% immunostained area, %IMS), the size of NEB, the number of nuclei/NEB, and the size of the NEB cells. The lungs of SIDS infants showed significantly greater %IMS of airway epithelium (2.72 ± 0.28 [standard error of the mean, SEM] versus 1.88 ± 0.24; P < 0.05) and larger NEB (1557 ± 153 μm2 versus 1151 ± 106 μm2; P < 0.05) compared to control infants. The size of NEB cells was also significantly increased in SIDS cases compared to the controls (180 ± 6.39 μm2 versus 157 ± 8.0 μm2; P < 0.05), indicating the presence of hypertrophy in addition to hyperplasia. Our findings support previous studies demonstrating hyperplasia of PNEC/NEB in lungs of infants who died of SIDS. These changes could be secondary to chronic hypoxia and/or could be attributable to maturational delay. Morphometric assessment and/or measurement of the secretory products of these cells (for example, CGA, bombesin) could provide a potential biological marker for SIDS.
Catheter-Based Drainage and Agitation for Definitive Cytological Diagnosis of a Ciliated Hepatic Foregut Cyst in a Child
Authors: Young Adam S. , Nicol Kathleen K. , Teich Steven , Shiels William E.
Published: March 2007

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is an uncommon lesion, which rarely presents in the pediatric population. It is congenital in origin and manifests because of the migration of a bronchiolar bud of the foregut through the pleuroperitoneal canal. CHFC is accompanied by a broad list of differential diagnoses and is difficult to diagnose by means of radiologic evaluation. Therefore, fine-needle aspiration with cytology has been used in an attempt to diagnose this lesion. In previously reported cases, this approach has been moderately successful in the diagnosis of CHFC, while in others, no definitive diagnosis was achieved because of the retrieval of scattered, irregular cells insufficient for cytologic evaluation. We report a case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with a CHFC and discuss a promising alternative for obtaining large, intact cellular specimens to facilitate cytologic evaluation and definitive diagnosis.
Effectiveness of Two Forms of Feedback on Training of a Joint Mobilization Skill by Using a Joint Translation Simulator
Authors: Chang Ju-Ying , Chang Guan-Liang , Chien Chia-Jen Chang , Chung Kao-Chi , Hsu Ar-Tyan
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose

Joint mobilization is a complicated task to learn and to teach and is characterized by great intersubject variability. This study's purpose was to investigate whether quantitatively augmented feedback could enhance the learning of joint mobilization and, more specifically, to compare the effects of training with concurrent or terminal feedback by using a joint translation simulator (JTS).

Subjects

Thirty-six undergraduate physical therapist students were randomly assigned to control (no feedback), concurrent feedback, and terminal feedback groups.

Methods

The JTS was designed to simulate tissue resistance based on load-displacement relationships of glenohumeral joint specimens. Subjects applied specific mobilization grades of force on the JTS while quantitative feedback was given to the feedback groups either during a trial (ie, concurrent feedback) or after a trial (ie, terminal feedback). The skill acquisition phase lasted a total of 40 minutes, and a total of 75 repetitions were performed for each grade of each joint model. Pretest and no-feedback retention tests were conducted.

Results

During acquisition and retention, both feedback groups performed more accurately than did the control group. No obviously superior performance was shown by the terminal feedback group compared with concurrent feedback group during retention testing.

Discussion and Conclusion

Subjects who trained with augmented feedback had less variability, and thus more consistency, than the control group subjects who received no feedback. Augmented feedback provides the student with a reference force and the status of his or her performance. The effectiveness of the JTS feedback compared with no feedback was clearly demonstrated. Skill acquisition in mobilization can be enhanced by either concurrent or terminal feedback.
Seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Shou-Dong , Chan Cho-Yu , Wang Yan-Jenn , Wu Jaw-Ching , Lai Kwok-Hung , Tsai Yang-Te , Lo Kwang-Juei
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus among Chinese subjects in Taiwan was evaluated using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. The overall prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus was 0.28% among 1,419 healthy subjects, 0.8% among 500 unselected paid blood donors and 0.4% among 793 pregnant women. The three offspring of the mothers positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus were all found to be positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus at birth but all became negative by the age of 6 mo. Among healthy subjects, none of 1,000 school children and young adolescents had antibody to hepatitis C virus. Among patients in selected “high-risk” groups, antibody to hepatitis C virus was detected in 100% of 9 hemophiliac patients who were positive for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus, in 53% of 115 intravenous drug abusers, in 34.4% of 96 hemodialysis patients and in 15.8% of 19 homosexual men who were positive for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus. Only 7.1% of 196 prostitutes, 5.9% of 34 spouses of patients positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus and 0.5% of 201 brothelgoers had antibody to hepatitis C virus. These findings suggest that hepatitis C virus is transmitted mainly by the parenteral route in Taiwan. Transmission from mother to infant is not an important mode of spread of hepatitis C virus. (Hepatology 1991;13:830-833.)
The relationship between hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor activity and serum cholesterol level in the human fetus
Authors: Cai Hai-Jiang , Xie Chong-Lun , Chen Qi , Chen Xiu-Ying , Chen Yue-Hua
Published: March 2007

We found that the binding of 125I-low-density lipoprotein to fetal liver low-density lipoprotein receptor rose progressively with the increase in fetal age. During this period, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in fetal serum declined significantly. The correlation coefficients between fetal age and concentration of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were −0.80 (p < 0.001) and −0.77 (p < 0.001), respectively. A significant inverse correlation also existed between the liver low-density lipoprotein receptor activity and the serum total cholesterol (r = −0.96, p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.95, p < 0.001) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is suggested that the low-density lipoprotein receptors in human fetal liver may play a key role in the regulation of the serum cholesterol levels during gestation. (Hepatology 1991;13:852-857.)
Relationship between esophageal varices and azygos vein evaluated by cineportography
Authors: Kimura Tohru , Moriyasu Fuminori , Kawasaki Toshihiko , Someda Hitoshi , Tamada Takashi , Yamashita Yukitaka , Ono Shigeki , Kajimura Kouzou , Nishida Osamu , Okuma Minoru
Published: March 2007

The relationship between esophageal varices and the azygos vein, which is generally considered to drain the major part of the variceal blood flow, was evaluated by percutaneous transhepatic cineportography in 35 patients with portal hypertension. We classified the patients into three groups. Those patients in whom most of the variceal blood drained into the azygos vein were designated the azygos-type group (n = 18). Those in whom most of the blood flowed into the brachiocephalic venous system were defined as the cervical-type group (n = 5), and those in whom the varices were drained by both the azygos vein and the brachiocephalic venous system were called the combined-type group (n = 12).

Highly developed esophageal varices were recognized endoscopically in all patients in the combined-type and cervical-type groups, whereas some of the patients in the azygos-type group had less well-developed varices. In the azygos-type group, a tendency for the varices to be more severe as their drainage into the azygos vein became more cephalad was noted. Evaluation of the drainage of esophageal varices was considered useful not only for obtaining full comprehension of the significance of the azygos vein but also for assessing the suitability for sclerotherapy. Percutaneous transhepatic cineportography was useful for this purpose because it enables visualization of even the most minute amounts of blood flow. (Hepatology 1991; 13:858-864.)
Sex hormones in postmenopausal women with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Becker Ulrik , Almdal Thomas , Christensen Erik , Gluud Christian , Farholt Stense , Bennett Paul , Svenstrup Birgit , Hardt Finn
Published: March 2007

To evaluate serum sex hormone profiles in nonalcoholic postmenopausal women with liver disease, 25 women with primary biliary cirrhosis (11 in cirrhotic stage) and 46 healthy controls were studied.

The patients had significantly (p <0.05) elevated serum concentrations of estrone and androstenedione and significantly (p <0.05) lower concentrations of estrone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 5α-dihydrotestosterone compared with the 46 controls. Serum concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, non-sex hormone binding globulin-bound testosterone and non-protein-bound testosterone did not differ significantly (p> 0.05) between primary biliary cirrhosis patients and controls. Patients in the cirrhotic stage had significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin than did controls.

Patients in the cirrhotic stage had significantly (p < 0.05) higher sex hormone binding globulin and estrone sulfate levels compared with noncirrhotic patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients.

The observed changes in steroid concentrations may be a consequence of hepatic dysfunction. (Hepatology 1991;13:865-869.)
Different types of chronic hepatitis in alcoholic patients: Does chronic hepatitis induced by alcohol exist?
Authors: Takase Shujiro , Takada Nobuo , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Yasuhara Minoru , Takada Aicira
Published: March 2007

To verify the existence of chronic hepatitis induced by alcohol, the clinicopathological features of chronic hepatitis in heavy drinkers were studied using various viral markers. Histological features of chronic active hepatitis were seen in 27 heavy drinkers. These patients were divided into four groups. The AL group (seven cases) consisted of alcoholics who were negative for both hepatitis C antibody and HBsAg; the HB group (four cases) was positive for HBsAg; the HC1 group (seven cases) was positive for hepatitis C antibody but negative for hepatitis C virus-RNA genome; and the HC2 group (nine cases) was positive both for hepatitis C antibody and hepatitis C virus-RNA genome. Serum AST and ALT activity declined during 4 wk of abstinence in most patients in the AL group and in the HC1 group. The response of serum AST and ALT to abstinence was poor in most patients in the HB group and the HC2 group. Serum desialo-transferrin and alcohol liver membrane antibodies were detected more frequently in the sera of patients in the AL group and HC1 group. A trend toward increased frequency of centrilobular ballooning existed in the AL group, but this did not reach statistical significance. These results suggest that chronic active hepatitis in patients in the AL group, in whom markers of HBV and hepatitis C virus were absent, may be caused by alcohol. Patients in the HC1 group who had hepatitis C antibody but not hepatitis C virus-RNA may represent cases where both alcohol and hepatitis C virus are involved. (Hepatology 1991;13:876-881.)
Chronic rejection after liver transplantation: A study of clinical, histopathological and immunological features
Authors: Freese Deborah K. , Snover Dale C. , Sharp Harvey L. , Gross Cynthia R. , Savick Kay S. , Payne William D.
Published: March 2007

In an effort to better understand chronic liver transplant rejection, we studied 110 children and adults who survived for at least 2 mo after the transplant procedure. Chronic rejection was defined using a combination of clinical and histopathological criteria and was diagnosed in 10 of the 110 patients for an incidence of 9.1%. All 10 patients were children with the mean age 3.4 yr vs. 21.7 yr for patients without chronic rejection (p <.001). Males and females were equally represented, and nine received a liver from a gender-matched donor. Four patients were non-Caucasian, resulting in an incidence of 21.7% in non-Caucasian recipients vs. 6.6% in Caucasian recipients (p <.05). All chronic rejection patients received a liver from an ABO-compatible donor. T-cell crossmatch was negative in all patients in whom it was assessed, and no significant disparity in either the class I or class II human leukocyte antigen loci was noted. Patients who had chronic rejection experienced acute rejection earlier, 11 days vs. 16 days (p <.05), than patients who did not. In 8 of 10 patients, chronic rejection appeared to evolve directly from early episodes of acute rejection that were unresponsive to immunosuppressive therapy. Two distinct histological presentations were noted. One was progressive loss of bile ducts without hepatocellular injury (four patients), and the other was characterized by worsening ischemic hepatocellular damage and fibrosis (six patients) in addition to severe ductular injury. The first was associated with a more benign clinical course, the second with rapidly deteriorating hepatic function. Three patients recovered spontaneously 9 to 14 mo after transplant, one died awaiting a donor for retransplant, and five had retransplants. We conclude that chronic rejection after the operation is a relatively uncommon complication of liver transplantation with a variable clinical course and unpredictable outcome. (Hepatology 1991;13:882-891.)
Independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in french drinkers
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Aubert Alain , Lazizi Yasmina , Bedossa Pierre , Hamelin Bernard , Terris Benoit , Naveau Sylvie , Dubreuil Pascal , Pillot Jacques , Chaput Jean-Claude
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to assess whether markers of hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection are independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in drinkers after adjustment for three known risk factors: cirrhosis, age and male sex. Among 2,015 consecutive drinkers admitted, hepatitis C virus antibodies were found by sensitive radioimmunoassay in 1,259. The following five factors have been identified and ranked as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in unidimensional and regression analysis: cirrhosis (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), male sex (p < 0.001), presence of HBsAg (p < 0.001) and presence of hepatitis C virus antibodies (p < 0.03). Among drinkers with cirrhosis, the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were older (64 ± 11 yr vs. 56 ± 9 yr; p < 0.001), were more often male (93% vs. 65%; p < 0.0001) and had higher prevalence of HBsAg (9% vs. 2%; p = 0.02) and hepatitis C virus antibodies (41% vs. 26%; p = 0.02). A simple algorithm permitted us to identify a high-risk population of drinkers: the male cirrhotic patient older than 50 yr. The relative risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in this selected population was 17.7 (95% confidence interval = 9.0 to 37.5; p < 0.0001). From a pragmatic point of view, the detection of HBsAg or hepatitis C virus antibodies, although independently associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, is not useful in increasing the diagnostic value of this algorithm because of the poor sensitivity of these tests. The weak relationships observed between hepatitis C virus antibodies and hepatocellular carcinoma needs confirmation by more accurate tests. (Hepatology 1991;13:896-901.)
Plasma catecholamines in patients with presinusoidal portal hypertension: Comparison with cirrhotic patients and nonportal hypertensive subjects
Authors: Gaudin Christophe , Braillon Alain , Poo Jorge Luis , Kleber Gerhard , Moreau Richard , Lebrec Didier
Published: March 2007

During a hemodynamic study, plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured in the pulmonary artery and in the hepatic vein in 18 presinusoidal portal hypertensive patients. Results were compared with those in 15 nonportal hypertensive subjects and in 24 cirrhotic patients in good condition (grade A, according to Pugh's classification). Plasma norepinephrine concentrations in the pulmonary artery or in the hepatic vein were not significantly different between nonportal hypertensive subjects (mean ± S.E.M.: 271 ± 36 and 83 ± 11 pg/ml, respectively) and presinusoidal portal hypertensive patients (273 ± 33 and 84 ± 11 pg/ml, respectively). These concentrations were, however, elevated in cirrhotic patients (408 ± 47 and 256 ± 45 pg/ml, p < 0.05 in comparison with the two other groups). These differences suggest that increased sympathetic nervous activity in cirrhosis is associated with the presence of liver disease or increase in sinusoidal pressure. Differences in plasma epinephrine concentrations were not significant among the three groups of patients. However, the existence of a significant correlation between pulmonary artery plasma epinephrine concentration and cardiac index (r2 = 0.46, p < 0.01) in patients with presinusoidal portal hypertension suggests that the adrenal medulla could play a role in the pathophysiology of the hyperkinetic syndrome of these patients. (Hepatology 1991;13:913-916.)
Double-blind investigation of the effects of propranolol and placebo on the pressure of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Feu Faust , Bordas Josep M. , Garcia-Pagán Joan C. , Bosch Jaime , Rodés Joan
Published: March 2007

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of propranolol on esophageal variceal pressure in patients with portal hypertension.

Variceal pressure was measured at endoscopy using a miniature pressure-sensitive gauge in 20 patients with portal hypertension. Measurements were obtained under baseline conditions and 20 min after double-blind administration of propranolol (0.15 mg/kg; n = 10) or an identical amount of placebo (normal saline, 0.3 ml/kg; n = 10).

Under baseline conditions, variceal pressure was similar in propranolol and placebo groups (14.1 ± 5 mm Hg vs. 14.9 ± 6.6 mm Hg, respectively; not significant). Placebo had no significant effect on variceal pressure (baseline = 14.9 ± 6.6 mm Hg; placebo = 15.5 ± 6.6 mm Hg; not significant), and values after placebo administration were closely correlated with baseline values (r = 0.98; y = 1.1 + 0.97 x; p < 0.0001). In contrast, propranolol caused a significant decrease in the pressure of esophageal varices (from 14.1 ± 5 mm Hg to 11.3 ± 4.4 mm Hg; p < 0.002). No significant changes in the size of esophageal varices were observed after propranolol or placebo administration.

This study shows (a) the endoscopic pressure-gauge technique has a low variability and may be used to assess acute drug-induced changes in variceal pressure; and (b) propranolol causes significant decreases in variceal pressure in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices. (Hepatology 1991;13:917-922.)
Expression of insulin-like growth factor II and receptors for insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor I and insulin in isolated and cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Lamas Eugenia , Zindy Frédérique , Seurin Danielle , Guguen-Guillouzo Christiane , Brechot Christian
Published: March 2007

Insulin-like growth factor II is believed to play an important role in fetal growth and development. The insulin-like growth factor II gene expression is tissue specific and developmentally regulated. We have previously shown an enhanced level of insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA and protein in human hepatocellular carcinomas. This led to the suggestion that hepatocytes might be involved in insulin-like growth factor II expression. However, previous studies based on in situ hybridization only showed insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA in liver sinusoidal cells. This paper reports on the analysis of the expression of insulin-like growth factor II and insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor I and insulin receptor messenger RNAs in vivo in isolated rat hepatocytes at various stages of development and in vitro in adult rat hepatocytes primary culture.

Our study indicates that isolated rat hepatocytes synthesize insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA with a switch between fetal and adult messenger RNA profiles occurring 21 days after birth. In addition, adult rat hepatocytes in culture expressed insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA and protein. Insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor I and insulin receptor messenger RNAs were also detected.

Therefore these results are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factor II acts as an autocrine growth factor for hepatocytes in addition to having a paracrine effect. They also indicate that primary culture of hepatocytes is a good model for further studies on insulin-like growth factor II gene regulation. (Hepatology 1991;13:936-940.)
Involvement of cell calcium and transmembrane potential in control of hepatocyte volume
Authors: Khalbuss Walid E. , Wondergem Robert
Published: March 2007

This study examined the role of hepatocyte calcium and cytoskeleton in activation of hyposmotic stress-induced increases in hepatocyte transmembrane potential and control of cell volume. Hepatocyte transmembrane potential was measured by glass microelectrodes in mouse liver slices before and after exposure to hyposmotic medium. Hepatocytes were loaded with tetramethylammonium by briefly exposing liver slices to nystatin, a cation poreforming antibiotic. Changes in hepatocyte steady-state water volume were determined by changes in intracellular tetramethylammonium activity measured with tetramethylammonium-sensitive, double-barrel microelectrodes 4 min after exposure to hyposmotic medium. Hyposmotic stress of 74% of the control osmolality (˜280 mOsm) hyperpolarized hepatocyte transmembrane potential by 1.83 times the control hepatocyte transmembrane potential, and cell water volume increased by a factor of 1.19. The Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil (100 μmol/L) completely inhibited hyposmotic stress-induced hyperpolarization of hepatocyte transmembrane potential. This inhibitory effect diminished at doses of 37.5 or 50 μmol/L, but even these hyperpolarizations were decreased significantly compared with control. Hyposmotic stress during added verapamil dosage (50 μmol/L) also resulted in 23% greater cell swelling compared with control. Ca2+ free medium plus ethylene glycol-bis (β-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (5 mmol/L) inhibited hyposmotic stress-induced increases in hepatocyte transmembrane potential and resulted in 16% greater cell swelling compared with control. Calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine (100 μmol/L) and promethazine (100 μmol/L) inhibited the hyperpolarization of hepatocyte transmembrane potential caused by hyposmolality, as did 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl ester) (50 μmol/L), which inhibits mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Cytochalasin B (50 μmol/L), which disrupts microfilaments, also inhibited hyperpolarization of hepatocyte transmembrane potential with osmotic stress. In contrast, colchicine (10 μmol/L) under identical conditions had no effect. These results show that extracellular and intracellular calcium, the calmodulin system and microfilaments are involved in control and activation of hyposmotic stress-induced increases in hepatocyte hepatocyte transmembrane potential. These changes in hepatocyte transmembrane potential play a role in cell volume regulation. (Hepatology 1991;13:962-969.)
Alterations in influence of granuloma-derived cytokines on fibrogenesis in the course of murine Schistosoma mansoni infection
Authors: Prakash Sadhana , Postlethwaite Arnold E. , Wyler David J.
Published: March 2007

Schistosomiasis is the main cause of hepatic fibrosis worldwide, yet its pathogenesis remains unknown. We previously reported that conditioned medium from cultures of hepatic egg granulomas (isolated from mice acutely infected with Schistosoma mansoni) can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and matrix production in vitro. We have proposed that initiation of hepatic fibrosis in this infection might be under the control of granuloma-derived cytokines. We now report that conditioned medium from cultures of schistosomal egg granulomas isolated from liver of chronically infected mice has reduced fibrogenic activity compared with medium from cultures of granulomas obtained from more acutely infected mice. In related studies, we adoptively transferred splenocytes from infected mice and examined the fibrogenic activity in culture supernatants of hepatic egg granulomas isolated from the recipients. Those prepared from recipients of splenocytes from chronically infected mice contained substantially less fibrogenic activity than did those from recipients of splenocytes of acutely infected mice. These findings suggest that the fibrogenic influence of schistosomal egg granuloma products decreases during the course of chronic murine S. mansoni infection. Furthermore, our preliminary findings suggest that immunoregulatory cells may be responsible for the down-regulation of this influence. Previous observations indicating that in murine schistosomiasis hepatic collagen and hyaluronate synthesis and deposition are elevated in acute but not chronic infection might be explained on the basis of our observations. (Hepatology 1991;13:970-976.)
Fulminant hepatic failure after repeated exposure to isoflurane anesthesia: A case report
Authors: Brunt Elizabeth M. , White Heather , Marsh Wallis J. , Holtmann Barbel , Peters Marion G.
Published: March 2007

A previously healthy but obese 26-yr-old woman was diagnosed as having hepatic dysfunction 17 days after the third of three consecutive exposures to isoflurane anesthesia for paranasal sinus surgery. Serum laboratory findings included elevated aminotransferases and bilirubin. Radiographical evaluations showed no evidence of extrahepatic disease. Serological studies were negative for acute viral infections, and serum copper was normal. The patient's condition deteriorated over the ensuing 17 days, with hyperreflexia, hypoglycemia and a rapid fall in serum aminotransferases with a concomitant rise in bilirubin level and prothrombin time despite maximal medical support. The liver volume as shown by computed tomography fell from 1,290 cm3 to 680 cm3 over 6 days. The patient underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation 25 days after onset of symptoms. Histopathological examination of the resected liver showed submassive and massive necrosis, with a few foci of microvesicular steatosis and ultrastructural evidence of mitochondrial abnormalities. Although we found insufficient evidence to prove that this case was caused by isoflurane anesthesia, the clinical course and histopathological findings are similar to those in hepatic injury caused by halothane anesthesia. Therefore we report this as a possible case of fulminant hepatic failure resulting from isoflurane anesthesia. (Hepatology 1991;13:1017-1021.)
Effects of interferon on intrahepatic human leukocyte antigens and lymphocyte subsets in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C
Authors: Hayata Takuro , Nakano Yoshiyuki , Yoshizawa Kaname , Sodeyama Takeshi , Kiyosawa Kendo
Published: March 2007

We investigated the effects of interferon therapy on hepatocyte human leukocyte antigen class I and class II antigen expression and intrahepatic lymphocyte subsets in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (n = 11) and C (n = 10). Interferon-α was administered intramuscularly in doses ranging from 3 to 18 million international units daily for 4 wk. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained just before and immediately after treatment, and the specimens were stained by the indirect immunoperoxidase method for evaluation of human leukocyte antigen expression and lymphocyte subsets. Before therapy, no significant difference was noted between hepatitis B and C in human leukocyte antigen class I antigen expression on hepatocytes or in the lymphocyte subsets in the intralobular and portal areas. After interferon-α treatment, hepatocyte expression of human leukocyte antigen class I antigens and serum β2-microglobulin levels were virtually unchanged in chronic viral hepatitis C patients, but both were increased in chronic viral hepatitis B patients. Human leukocyte antigen class II antigens were not expressed during treatment. The mean number of intralobular CD3+ and CD8+ cells and the mean serum ALT level decreased significantly in chronic viral hepatitis C patients (p < 0.05) but not in chronic viral hepatitis B patients. The mean number of intralobular CD4+ cells was unaffected by interferon therapy in both groups. In all 21 patients, the changes in CD8+ cell numbers paralleled the changes in serum ALT levels. Our findings suggest that T-cell cytotoxicity may play an important role in hepatocyte damage in both chronic viral hepatitis C and chronic viral hepatitis B and that the response to interferon-α differs in these two types of hepatitis. (Hepatology 1991;13:1022-1028.)
Prospective, randomized controlled trial of interferon-α in children with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno Mercedes , Rua Maria José , Molina Josefina , Moraleda Gloria , Moreno Alberto , García-aguado Jaime , Carréño Vicente
Published: March 2007

Thirty-six children with chronic hepatitis B were entered into a randomized controlled trial of recombinant human interferon-α All patients had hepatitis B virus DNA and increased levels of aminotransferases in serum for at least 1 yr. Twelve children received 10 MU of interferon-α 2b/m2 body surface area three times a week (group I); 12 children received 5 MU/m2 under the same conditions (group II); and 12 children served as controls (group III). During 6 mo of therapy, 12 of 24 (50%) treated patients (7 from group I, 58%, and 5 from group II, 42%) and 2 of 12 (17%) controls lost hepatitis B virus DNA from serum and subsequently remained negative. Comparison of the rate of response in group I vs. controls showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Eleven of 12 (92%) treated patients who cleared hepatitis B virus DNA from serum lost HBeAg, seroconverted to anti-HBe and had improvement in liver histological findings with loss of hepatitis B virus DNA from liver. In 10, serum ALT levels became normal. Interferon-α was well tolerated and all children finished therapy. These findings indicate that a 6-mo course of interferon-α is effective in inducing a serological, biochemical and histological remission of disease in approximately 50% of children with chronic hepatitis B. (Hepatology 1991;13:1035-1039.)
Effect of interferon administration on serum hepatitis C virus RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Chayama Kazuaki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Matsumoto Toyomi , Sakai Yoko , Kobayashi Mariko , Unakami Masamitsu , Morinagaa Tsuto , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: March 2007

Hepatitis C virus RNA as detected by reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction was monitored in 16 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon. Hepatitis C virus RNA became undetectable after 4 to 8 wk of interferon administration in 13 of the 16 patients. During 6 mo of follow-up, 5 of the 13 patients who became negative for hepatitis C virus RNA after interferon administration remained negative, and all five continued to have normal ALT levels. Repeat liver biopsy in these five patients revealed histological improvement. Antibody to hepatitis C virus, which was initially positive in all treated patients, fell to undetectable levels in three of the five patients. In contrast, aminotransferase levels rose again in all eight patients who had become hepatitis C virus RNA negative but had again exhibited hepatitis C virus RNA after completion of therapy. In 16 untreated patients, hepatitis C virus RNA remained detectable. These results indicate that detection of hepatitis C virus RNA may be useful as a marker of viral replication in chronic hepatitis C; they also suggest that interferon should again be administered to patients who become hepatitis C virus RNA negative on treatment but again exhibit this marker of viral replication when treatment is stopped. (Hepatology 1991;13:1040-1043.)
Hepatitis B virus infection in patients with idiopathic liver disease
Authors: Liang Jake T. , Baruch Yaacov , Ben-Porath Edna , Enat Rafael , Bassan Lucyna , Brown Nancy V. , Rimon Nurit , Blum Hubert E. , Wands Jack R.
Published: March 2007

We studied 67 HBsAg-negative Israeli patients (36 negative for all HBV serological markers as group 1 and 31 positive for antibodies to HBs and HBc as group 2) with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis of unknown origin using a rapid, sensitive and specific assay for the detection of low levels of hepatitis B virus in serum. This technique uses a high-affinity monoclonal antibody to HBs against an a domain epitope of HBsAg to capture the virion, followed by hepatitis B virus DNA amplification with the polymerase chain reaction. In addition, 55 subjects without liver disease served as controls: Group 3 (n = 32) was negative for all hepatitis B virus markers; group 4 (n = 23) was positive for antibodies to HBs and HBc. We found 11 individuals in group 1 (31%) and 10 in group 2 (29%) harboring low levels of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum. In contrast, no one in group 3 or group 4 was positive by this technique (p < 0.0001). Using polymerase chain reaction primers spanning other regions of the hepatitis B virus genome and a method of restriction-fragment analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified sequences, we detected significant DNA sequence heterogeneity, suggesting infection with distinct hepatitis B virus strains. DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded liver biopsy specimens of 42 patients from groups 1 and 2 was shown to contain hepatitis B virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction in 11 of 12 patients with circulating virion DNA. More important, 18 additional patients whose sera were negative by HBs-antibody capture/polymerase chain reaction amplification had hepatitis B virus DNA sequences in their livers. Hepatitis C virus antibodies were found in 71% of group 1, in 65% of group 2, in 3% of group 3 and in 4% of group 4 (p < 0.0001). Coexistence of hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis C virus antibodies were common (>30%). We conclude that infection with hepatitis B virus undetectable by conventional assays and with hepatitis C virus may represent important unrecognized causes of idiopathic chronic liver disease in Israel, accounting for the possible origin in more than 90% of patients. (Hepatology 1991;13:1044-1051.)
Alcoholic liver disease in heterozygotes of mutant and normal aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes
Authors: Enomoto Nobuyuki , Takase Shujiro , Takada Nobuo , Takada Akira
Published: March 2007

To clarify the pathogenetic role of acetaldehyde in the development of alcoholic liver disease, genotyping of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes was performed and the clinical features of the alcoholic liver disease patients with different genotypes were compared. Genotyping of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 was performed in 47 patients with alcoholic liver disease using the polymerase chain reaction and slot-blot hybridization. Of the 47 patients with alcoholic liver disease, 40 were homozygous for the normal aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 gene and the remaining seven cases were heterozygous for the normal and mutant aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes. No homozygote was found for the mutant aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes. Daily alcohol intake was less than 100 gm in all heterozygotes without relation to the type of alcoholic liver disease. On the other hand, all but four patients homozygotic for the normal aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 gene drank more than 100 gm alcohol/day. The mean daily alcohol intake in the heterozygotes was significantly lower than that in the normal homozygotes. The incidence of alcoholic fibrosis tended to be lower in the heterozygotes than in the normal homozygotes (14.2% vs. 52.5%). On the other hand, the incidence of alcoholic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis tended to be higher in the heterozygotes than in the normal homozygotes. These results indicate that alcoholic liver disease develops even with moderate amounts of alcohol intake in heterozygotes of the aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes, in which acetaldehyde metabolism in the liver is impaired and liver damage in the heterozygotes is more severe than that in the normal homozygotes, suggesting that habitual drinkers who are heterozygotes of the aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes may be at high risk for alcoholic liver disease. (Hepatology 1991;13:1071-1075.)
Failure of ursodeoxycholic acid to prevent a cholestatic episode in a patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis: A study of bile acid metabolism
Authors: Crosigani Andrea , Podda Mauro , Bertolini Emanuela , Battezzati Pier Maria , Zuin Massimo , Setchell Kenneth D. R.
Published: March 2007

Ursodeoxycholic acid was administered to a patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis to prevent cholestatic episodes. A detailed study of bile acid metabolism in this patient was carried out in the anicteric and icteric phases before and after ursodeoxycholic acid (750 mg/day) administration. Urinary, biliary and serum bile acids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and by highperformance liquid chromatography techniques.

During the anicteric phase the daily urinary excretion and serum concentrations of bile acids were within normal ranges, indicating normal hepatic uptake and secretion of bile acids during the cholestasis-free period. Only slight qualitative differences from normal individuals were observed; the relative proportions of deoxycholic acid in the bile and serum were higher, and 12-oxo-lithocholic acid was the predominant urinary bile acid.

During the icteric phase a marked increase in the urinary excretion of primary bile acids and C-1, C-2, C-4 and C-6 hydroxylated metabolites was found. Serum bile acid concentrations increased before the rise in bilirubin, suggesting an acute disturbance in bile acid transport at the onset of the cholestatic attack.

After ursodeoxycholic acid administration in the anicteric phase, bile became enriched with the exogenous bile acid, but little qualitative change was found in the other metabolites present in the urine, serum or bile during the anicteric or icteric phases. Prolonged administration of ursodeoxycholic acid failed to prevent recurrence of a cholestatic episode, suggesting that in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis, oral ursodeoxycholic acid may be of little benefit in the treatment or prevention of cholestasis despite marked enrichment of the bile acid pool with this hydrophilic bile acid. (Hepatology 1991;13:1076-1083.)
S -Adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with negative results
Authors: Ribalta Jose , Reyes Humberto , Gonzalez Manuel C. , Iglesias Joaquin , Arrese Marco , Poniachik Jaime , Molina Claudina , Segovia Nelly
Published: March 2007

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine has been reported to induce beneficial effects in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Because cholestasis of pregnancy has a high prevalence in Chile and a deleterious effect on fetal prognosis, we decided to verify the efficacy of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in this disease. Eighteen patients with pruritus that appeared during pregnancy and with elevated serum levels of bile salts (68.1 ± 15.9 μmol/L; mean ± S.E.M.) and ALT (226 ± 50 KU/L) were enrolled in a prospective double-blind study comparing the effects of the drug with a placebo. S-Adenosyl-L-methionine, 900 mg, or placebo was administered in daily intravenous infusions for 20 days. Every 5 days liver function tests were done and pruritus was assessed using a preestablished score. No significant differences in pruritus or in serum levels of bile salts, ALT, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatases were seen during or after treatment between patients who received S-adenosyl-L-methionine (n = 9) or placebo (n = 9). No relevant adverse reactions were detected. Most patients had cesarean sections because of reasons unrelated to the therapeutic trial. All newborns had Apgar scores greater than 7 and normal postnatal development. Our patients had moderately severe to severe cholestasis of pregnancy as indicated by the onset of pruritus before wk 32 of pregnancy. Seven of nine multiparous patients had a past history of recurrent cholestasis of pregnancy. In this study, the administration of S-adenosyl-L-methionine during 20 days did not improve intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. (Hepatology 1991;13:1084-1089.)