bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of the role of endothelin‐1 in idiopathic portal hypertension
Authors: Yamaguchi Emi , Yamanoi Akira , Ono Takashi , Nagasue Naofumi
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  The authors' previous report revealed that endothelin‐1 might be released from B lymphocytes in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. Other investigators have shown that persistent exposure to environmental contaminants including arsenic might induce idiopathic portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to experimentally identify how endothelin‐1 is involved in the development of idiopathic portal hypertension and which cells produce endothelin‐1 in the spleen.

Methods:  Portal pressure and venous endothelin‐1 concentrations were measured in rats that were given sodium arsenate orally for long periods, and endothelin‐1 expression levels in the spleen were assessed by staining. In a second experiment, B and T lymphocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages cultured from healthy human peripheral blood were stimulated with sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ. Endothelin‐1 concentrations in the supernatants were measured by ELISA.

Results:  Arsenic exposure gradually increased portal pressure and venous endothelin‐1 levels in rats. Endothelin‐1 concentration in the supernatant did not change in every cell type stimulated with arsenic, but it increased in B lymphocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ.

Conclusions:  The in vivo study indicated that arsenic might elevate portal pressure through mechanisms involving endothelin‐1. In the in vitro study, lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ clearly induced endothelin‐1 synthesis not only in monocyte‐derived macrophages but also in B lymphocytes, although arsenic treatment did not affect those cells. This study partially supports the hypothesis that idiopathic portal hypertension might be promoted by endothelin‐1 overproduction from splenic B lymphocytes in response to certain substances. © 2007 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2007 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Prospective evaluation of indeterminate ERCP findings by intraductal ultrasound
Authors: Varadarajulu Shyam , Eloubeidi Mohamad A , Wilcox C Mel
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Although the role of intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) in the evaluation of specific disease entities is well known, its utility in evaluating indeterminate findings in a heterogeneous group of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is unknown. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of IDUS in patients with indeterminate findings at ERCP.

Methods:  This was a prospective study of all patients who underwent IDUS for evaluation of an indeterminate biliary stricture or main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilation noted at ERCP over an 8‐month period. The accuracy of IDUS was established based on long‐term follow‐up, surgery, or further investigations.

Results:  Twenty‐nine (5%) of 600 patients who underwent ERCP had an indeterminate finding that warranted further evaluation by IDUS: this was biliary stricture in 19 patients and MPD dilation in 10. Technical success was 100%. Mean duration of follow‐up was 435 days (range 192–614 days). In patients with biliary stricture, IDUS diagnosed 11 as benign and eight as malignant. In patients with MPD dilation, IDUS diagnosed intraductal papillary mucinous tumor in six patients and chronic pancreatitis in four. Findings on IDUS supported the correct diagnosis in 27 of 29 patients (93%). In two patients with dominant hilar stricture in the setting of primary sclerosing cholangitis, IDUS was false positive in one and false negative in the other. One patient died of multiorgan failure due to post‐ERCP pancreatitis.

Conclusions:  A technically easy procedure, IDUS offers unique advantages in the evaluation of patients with indeterminate findings at ERCP.
Clinical relevance of Helicobacter pylori sabA genotype in Japanese clinical isolates
Authors: Yanai Ayako , Maeda Shin , Hikiba Yoko , Shibata Wataru , Ohmae Tomoya , Hirata Yoshihiro , Ogura Keiji , Yoshida Haruhiko , Omata Masao
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  The clinical outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection is strongly affected by the bacterial genotype. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the status of H. pylori sialic acid‐binding adhesin (sabA) and the severity of gastric inflammation and diseases.

Methods:  Clinical isolates from 108 patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, gastric cancer, or chronic gastritis were analyzed by sequencing and PCR assay. The degree of neutrophil infiltration in the antral region was evaluated by histopathological examination. The extent of atrophic change was evaluated using serum pepsinogen levels and the pepsinogen I/II ratio.

Results:  Functional sabA was present in 88 (81%) of the 108 patients. Although there was no correlation between the sabA status and gastric diseases, severe neutrophil infiltration and atrophy were associated with functional sabA.

Conclusions:  The results show a high prevalence of functional sabA in Japanese clinical isolates. The status of sabA may be an important virulence factor in inducing chronic gastric inflammation.
REG Iα protein expression in Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Chinuki Daisuke , Amano Yuji , Ishihara Shunji , Moriyama Nobuyuki , Ishimura Norihisa , Kazumori Hideaki , Kadowaki Yasunori , Takasawa Shin , Okamoto Hiroshi , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Accelerated cellular proliferation in Barrett's esophagus has been implicated in Barrett's elongation and malignant transformation. Therefore, growth factors may play important roles in the pathophysiology of Barrett's esophagus. Regenerating gene (REG), an epithelial growth factor, has been reported to link mucosal inflammation and subsequent carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate whether REG is expressed in Barrett's esophagus and to elucidate the relationship between REG protein expression and clinicopathological factors of Barrett's esophagus.

Methods:  Between July 2003 and June 2004, 266 patients with endoscopically and histologically proven Barrett's esophagus were enrolled in this study. Before endoscopic examination, all participants were requested to answer structured questionnaires on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and drugs usage. Mucin phenotype, cyclooxygenase‐2 expression, cellular proliferation, apoptosis and REG Iα protein expression were investigated in the biopsy samples taken from Barrett's esophagus. Clinicopathological factors that correlated with REG Iα protein expression in patients with Barrett's esophagus were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:  REG Iα protein expression was observed in 48 (18.0%) of 266 patients with Barrett's esophagus by immunohistochemistry. Newly developed squamous re‐epithelialization of Barrett's esophagus at biopsy sites, presence of hiatal hernia and aging were shown to correlate with REG Iα protein expression.

Conclusions:  The present study is the first to show REG expression in Barrett's esophagus. Expression of REG Iα was more frequently observed in patients who showed squamous re‐epithelialization of Barrett's esophagus at biopsy sites.
Effects of bariatric surgery on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Preliminary findings after 2 years
Authors: Furuya Carlos K , De Oliveira Claudia P M S , De Mello Evandro S , Faintuch Joel , Raskovski Alessandra , Matsuda Mitsunori , Vezozzo Denise C P , Halpern Alfredo , Garrido Arthur B , Alves Venâncio A F , Carrilho Flair J
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very common among morbidly obese patients, the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery on inflammation and fibrosis related to NAFLD is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on NAFLD with a follow up of 2 years.

Methods:  Eighteen consecutive NAFLD patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2 undergoing gastroplasty with RYGB were enrolled, and wedge liver biopsy was obtained at the operation. After 2 years, these patients underwent percutaneous liver biopsy.

Results:  At baseline, 67% of patients had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 33% had steatosis, according to the NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System (NAS) for biopsy. Cirrhosis was present in 5.5% of the patients with NASH. After a mean excess weight loss of 60%, steatosis disappeared in 84% and fibrosis disappeared in 75% of the patients. Hepatocellular ballooning disappeared in 50%. A slight lobular inflammatory infiltrate remained in 81%, apparently unrelated to fatty degeneration. As liver biochemical variables had been found within normal limits in 92.3% of patients at initial biopsy, no difference was found 2 years later. Lipid profile and blood sugar plasma concentration were closer to normal in all patients after 2 years (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Aspects of NAFLD including steatohepatitis improved significantly with massive weight loss at 2 years after RYGB surgery. No patient in this series had progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Insulin resistance and lichen planus in patients with HCV‐infectious liver diseases
Authors: Nagao Yumiko , Kawasaki Katsuya , Sata Michio
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver diseases and extrahepatic manifestations, and also contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aims of the present study were to examine the incidence of extrahepatic manifestations including lichen planus in HCV‐infected patients and to evaluate the relationship between lichen planus and insulin resistance.

Methods:  Of 9396 patients with liver diseases presenting to the study hospital, 87 patients (mean age 60.0 ± 11.5 years) with HCV‐related liver diseases were identified and examined for the incidence of extrahepatic manifestations. Insulin resistance and the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies were also measured.

Results:  The prevalence of DM was 21.8% (19/87), hypertension was 28.7% (25/87), thyroid dysfunction was 20.7% (18/87), and extrahepatic malignant tumor was 9.2% (8/87). The prevalence of lichen planus at oral, cutaneous, pharyngeal, and/or vulval locations was 19.5% (17/87). Characteristics of 17 patients with lichen planus (group A) were compared with 70 patients without lichen planus (group B). Prevalence of smoking history, presence of hypertension, extrahepatic malignant tumor, and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were significantly higher in group A than in group B. Significant differences were not observed for age, sex, body mass index, diagnosis of liver disease, alcohol consumption, presence of DM, thyroid dysfunction, liver function tests, or presence of H. pylori infection between the two groups.

Conclusions:  Infection with HCV induces insulin resistance and may cause lichen planus. It is necessary for an HCV‐infected patient to be assayed for insulin resistance, and to be checked for different extrahepatic manifestations of this infection, particularly lichen planus.
Influence of Helicobacter pylori genotype on triple eradication therapy
Authors: Zhao Jian Jun , Wang Jiang Bin , Yang Lei , Li Yan
Published: January 2007

Background:  The efficiency of Helicobacter pylori eradication varies geographically, as do many parameters that might affect therapeutic efficiency. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between different genotypes of H. pylori and bacterium‐related histopathological lesions in patients with duodenal ulcer and to determine the effect of genotype on triple eradication therapy.

Methods:  Helicobacter pylori infections were analyzed in 78 duodenal ulcer patients. The cytotoxin‐associated gene (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin gene (vacA) subtype status of cultured strains were studied by PCR. Histopathological findings were graded using a described grading system. The patients were treated with triple‐therapy regimens consisting of a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics twice daily for 7 days. Endoscopy was repeated at 4 weeks post‐therapy to monitor ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication.

Results:  The bacteria were genotyped from 66 patients, 57 of whom had H. pylori eradicated. The absence of cagA was associated with unsuccessful treatment. No difference was found with regard to vacA subtype between the successful and unsuccessful eradication groups. On histopathological examination, high H. pylori colonization density and intestinal metaplasia were associated with low eradication rate, while a high grade of neutrophil infiltration was associated with a significantly higher eradication rate.

Conclusions:  The data confirm the importance of cagA positivity as a predictor of successful eradication. When high H. pylori colonization density and intestinal metaplasia are present, therapy appears to be less effective. Therefore, these histopathological features may be involved in an unsuccessful therapeutic outcome.
Examination of normal intestine using confocal endomicroscopy
Authors: Odagi Isao , Kato Tomohiro , Imazu Hiroo , Kaise Mitsuru , Omar Salem , Tajiri Hisao
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Endoscopy is an important clinical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, biopsy tissue is still required in many cases to obtain a definitive histopathological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate confocal endomicroscopy (CEM) as a tool for conducting virtual biopsies of the colon by comparing CEM images with biopsy samples from normal colon.

Methods:  The study cohort comprised 45 patients who underwent investigative colonoscopy between April 2004 and January 2006, 25 of whom also had biopsy due to suspected diseases such as inflammation and neoplasm. The small and large intestine were examined with CEM using an intravenous injection of fluorescein, and CEM images were compared with conventional histopathological results from biopsied samples. In addition, the injected fluorescein was localized immunohistochemically to further analyze the CEM images taken in vivo.

Results:  A total of 46 biopsies were taken, of which 24 demonstrated no histopathological abnormality and were regarded as normal. All of the CEM images observed from the surface to the deeper layers were concordant histopathologically with the biopsy results. Furthermore, CEM allowed observation of physiological functions such as blood flow in the capillaries of the surrounding crypts and mucus release from crypts. The immunohistochemical localization of fluorescein was consistent with the CEM images.

Conclusions:  CEM provides endoscopists with a valuable new diagnostic tool, not only for observing tissue in situ at the histopathological level, but also for the coincident evaluation of physiological function during endoscopic examination.
Effect of heme oxygenase‐1 induction by octreotide on TNBS‐induced colitis
Authors: Erbil Yeşim , Giriş Murat , Abbasoğlu Semra Doğru , Barbaros Umut , Yanık Burcu Tulumoğlu , Necefli Ahmet , Olgaç Vakur , Toker Gülçin Aykaç
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Although the precise etiology of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, it is believed to involve an abnormal host response to endogenous or environmental antigens, genetic factors, and oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) induction by octreotide could protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage from induced colitis.

Methods:  Rats received octreotide 50 µg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 5 days before 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution administration and for 15 days following TNBS solution administration. Rats were killed on day 21, and colonic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione (GSH) levels and HO‐1 expression were measured. Nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and HO‐1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical examination of the colonic tissue.

Results:  Rats with TNBS‐induced colitis had significantly increased colonic MDA levels and HO‐1 expression in comparison to the control group. Octreotide treatment was associated with increased HO‐1 expression and GSH levels, but decreased MDA levels. Histopathological examination revealed that the intestinal mucosal structure was preserved in the octreotide‐treated group. In addition, treatment with octreotide significantly increased HO‐1 expression and decreased NF‐κB expression by immunohistochemistry when compared to the TNBS‐induced colitis group.

Conclusion:  Octreotide appears to have protective effects against colonic damage in TNBS‐induced colitis. This protective effect is, in part, mediated by modification of the inflammatory response and the induction of HO‐1 expression.
Further studies on the arrest of cell proliferation in tumor cells at the invading front of colonic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rubio Carlos A
Published: January 2007

Background and Aim:  The author has previously reported that neoplastic glands at the leading invading edge of colorectal carcinomas often display flat tumor cells and cellular gaps called glandular pores. The aim of this study was to audit cell proliferation and p53 mutation in flat tumor cells and in tumor cells at the tip of glandular pores at the leading invading front of colonic carcinomas.

Methods:  Sections from 40 colonic adenocarcinomas were immunostained with the proliferation marker Ki67 and with p53 protein. Expression was assessed at the leading invading front in consecutive neoplastic glands having flat tumor cells and epithelial pores and in neoplastic glands showing neither flat tumor cells nor glandular pores.

Results:  Flat tumor cells in neoplastic glands usually showed no Ki67 expression but overexpressed p53 mutation. In neoplastic glands with pores 40% of the tumor cells at the tip of the pores showed no Ki67, but they overexpressed p53 mutation.

Conclusions:  The results showed, for the first time, that p53‐positive flat neoplastic colonic cells arrest their proliferation at the invading front. It is possible that these p53‐positive/Ki67‐negative neoplastic cells were temporarily removed from the cell cycle (G0). This paradoxical biological behavior of tumor cells might be connected with the formation of glandular pores and appears to indicate that arrest of cell proliferation at the advancing tumor front in colonic carcinomas occurs independently of p53 mutation. The possible existence of two independent molecular systems at the advancing tumor edge of colonic carcinomas, one supervising cell proliferation and the other zealously transferring the p53 mutation to daughter cells, is suggested.
Screening of atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer by serum pepsinogen, gastrin‐17 and Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies
Authors: CAO Qin , RAN Zhi Hua , XIAO Shu Dong
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  Currently the screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer and atrophic gastritis are mainly made by endoscopy and biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of serum tests: serum pepsinogen I (PGI pepsinogen I/II ratio (PGR), gastrin‐17 (G‐17) and H. pylori‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to screen atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

METHODS:  A total of 458 patients were recruited, and each underwent endoscopy with biopsies before the serum tests were performed. These patients were divided into five groups based on the endoscopic and histological findings: 92 patients in the atrophic gastritis group, 58 in the gastric ulcer group, 90 in the duodenal ulcer group, 141 in the gastric cancer group (40 early gastric cancer and 101 advanced gastric cancer) and 77 (including mild non‐atrophic gastritis) served as a control group. Serum samples for PGI and II, G‐17, and H. pylori‐IgG antibodies estimation were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS:  PGI and PGR values decreased significantly both in atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer groups (P < 0.01). For the best discrimination of atrophic gastritis, the cut‐off values of PGI and PGR were 82.3 µg/L and 6.05, respectively. The PGI, PGR and G‐17 values were related significantly with the grades and/or sites of atrophic gastritis (P < 0.01). Patients with atrophic corpus gastritis had low PGI and PGR values and high G‐17 level, and patients with atrophic antral gastritis had low G‐17 level. G‐17 increased significantly in the gastric cancer group (P < 0.01). PGI and PGR values were significantly lower in patients with advanced gastric cancer than in patients with early gastric cancer, while there was no difference in G‐17 level between them. The positivity rate of H. pylori‐IgG antibodies was 54.55% in the control group. The PGI level was higher in H. pylori positive patients than in H. pylori negative ones (P < 0.001), while there was no difference in G‐17 level between them. The positivity rates of H. pylori‐IgG antibodies were over 85% in all other four groups.

CONCLUSIONS:  Low serum PGI, PGR and G‐17 values are biomarkers of atrophic antral gastritis. Atrophic corpus gastritis can be screened by lower serum PGI, PGR and high G‐17 values. [Correction added after online publication on 2 February 2007: the preceding sentence has replaced one that read ‘Atrophic be screened by serum PGI and PGR values’]. Gastric cancer can be screened on the basis of increased serum G‐17 and remarkedly low serum PGI and PGR values. The H. pylori infection is related to the change of PG level.
Bacterial flora in irritable bowel syndrome: role in pathophysiology, implications for management
Authors: QUIGLEY Eamonn M M
Published: January 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may, in part at least, result from a dysfunctional interaction between the indigenous flora and the intestinal mucosa which, in turn, leads to immune activation in the colonic mucosa. Some propose a role for bacterial overgrowth as a common causative factor in the pathogenesis of symptoms in IBS; other evidence points to more subtle qualitative changes in the colonic flora; both hypotheses remain to be confirmed but the likelihood that bacterial overgrowth will prove to be a major factor in IBS now seems remote. Nevertheless, short‐term therapy with either antibiotics or probiotics does seem to reduce symptoms among IBS patients. It seems most likely that the benefits of antibiotic therapy are mediated through subtle and, perhaps, localized, quantitative and/or qualitative changes in the colonic flora. How probiotics exert their effects remain to be defined but an anti‐inflammatory effect seems likely. While this approach to the management of IBS is in its infancy, it is evident that manipulation of the flora, whether through the administration of antibiotics or probiotics, deserves further attention in IBS.
Using serum pepsinogens wisely in a clinical practice
Authors: MIKI Kazumasa , URITA Yoshihisa
Published: January 2007

Serum pepsinogen (PG) has been used as biomarkers of gastric inflammation and mucosal status, including atrophic change, before the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Serum pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen II (PG II) levels are known to increase in the presence of H. pylori‐related nonatrophic chronic gastritis. The measurement of serum PG provides much information on the presence of intestinal metaplasia as well as atrophic gastritis. The eradication of H. pylori provokes a significant change in serum PG values: it reduces both PG I and PG II and elevates the PG I to PG II ratio. Recently, the serum PG test method has been the first screening step in Japan, as well as photofluorography. Serum PG tests are used to screen for high risk subjects with atrophic gastritis, rather than as a test for cancer itself. Unlike photofluorography or endoscopy, serum PG screening can identify non‐ulcerated differentiated asymptomatic cancer, irrespective of the size and location of the lesion. Most cases detected by the PG method are asymptomatic early gastric cancers and are limited to the mucosa, which are particularly well suited for endoscopic treatment. The PG method can contribute greatly to the patients’ quality of life.
Preliminary study on the clinical and pathological relevance of gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma
Authors: GAO Ya Bo , ZHANG Ding Fang , JIN Xiao Long , XIAO Jia Cheng
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To appraise the histological characteristics and clinical features of gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma (GHAC) and their relevance with prognosis.

METHODS:  From January 2001 to December 2003, six patients were diagnosed and confirmed pathologically in Ruijin Hospital as having a gastric hepatoid carcinoma. All these six patients, together with 30 randomly selected patients with gastric poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (GPDA) and 30 with a primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who served as controls, were studied and analyzed clinically, histologically and immunohistologically.

RESULTS:  The average age of the six patients with GHAC was 66.8 years, and their serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level was 84–2230 ng/mL. Of these six patients, two had a recurrence of cancer and two had liver metastasis. Their average survival period was 17 months. Morphologically, the histological appearance was similar to that of HCC, with glycogen granules and hyaline globules arranged in a solid or trabecular pattern and an abundance of blood vessels and sinusoids, while blood vessel or lymphatic invasion were more often seen. Immunohistological staining showed that the tumor cells were positive for AFP and negative for Hepatocyte paraffin 1 (HepPar1), and the tumor cells were separated by CD34‐positive blood vessels into a small trabecular pattern. The GPDA had a solid nest or diffuse distribution pattern and was negative for both AFP and HepPar1. In the HCC, the histological feature was manifested as solid, small and large trabecular patterns with abundance of blood vessels and sinusoids; immunohistochemical staining showed the tumor cells were positive for HepPar1.

CONCLUSION:  Serum AFP‐positive GHAC occurred more frequently in older patients with higher rates of recurrence and liver metastasis and a poor prognosis. Histologically, GHAC was similar to HCC. The tumor cells that were positive for AFP but negative for HerPar1 could be used to differentiate with GPDA (both AFP and HerPar1 negative) and primary HCC (most AFP and HerPar1 positive).
Effects of all‐trans‐retinoic on human gastric cancer cells BGC‐823
Authors: ZHANG Jin Ping , CHEN Xiang Yu , LI Jian Sheng
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To determine the inhibitory effects of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) on cell growth, cell cycle and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the human gastric cancer cell line BGC‐823 in vitro.

METHODS:  Human gastric cancer BGC‐823 cells were treated with various concentrations of ATRA and the cell growth was then determined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide viability assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed using a flow cytometer. The VEGF mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS:  ATRA at concentrations of 0.1–10 µmol/L inhibited the growth of BGC‐823 cells grown in culture; a time‐ and dose‐dependent inhibitory influence was found. ATRA arrested BGC‐823 cells at the G0/G1 phase in a dose‐dependent way. Both VEGF mRNA and protein were decreased by ATRA in a dose‐dependent way.

CONCLUSION:  The anti‐tumor effects of ATRA on human gastric cancer cells are associated with G0/G1 phase arrest and decreased VEGF expression.
Colonoscopic and histologic features of colonic Crohn's disease in Chinese patients
Authors: ZHENG Jia Ju , CU Xing Qi , SHI Xiao Hua , WANG Yu Ming , JIA Li Ming , ZHOU Xun Li , WANG Fong Ming
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  An attempt was made to provide a better insight into endoscopic and histological features and to enhance the understanding of the diagnostic value of colonoscopy combined with biopsy for colonic Crohn's disease.

METHODS:  As presented in our 27 cases of colonic Crohn's disease (Crohn's colitis), the endoscopic findings and histological changes of biopsy specimens were analyzed. As collated with correspondent results of biopsy and surgical specimens, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was evaluated.

RESULTS:  Of these patients, 26 involvements of the colon (often combined with other sites of the bowel) were observed (96.3%). However, involvements limited to the colon alone were seen in only four cases (14.8%). Endoscopically, diverse patterns of multi‐staged‐segmental distributed and multi‐sited inflammatory lesions, both destructive and proliferative/regenerative changes were observed in the bowel of the same patient. The diaganostic accuracy of colonoscopy, as confirmed by the histological examination of biopsy and resected specimens, was 66.7%. The major characteristic features of mucosal biopsy were the focal distribution of inflammatory infiltration and lymphoid aggregate. Otherwise, it may include edematous and widened submucosa, deep fissuring ulcers and hyperplasia, fibrosis and granulomas (detected in 30% of the group), among others.

CONCLUSION:  The colonic involvement of Crohn's disease was common. Colonoscopy may be valuable in establishing a diagnosis and in assessing the extent and severity of such colonic involvement. Biopsy is helpful to confirm a diagnosis conducted by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy combined with biopsy may replace radiology as the initial test of choice in many clinical situations.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: STANKOVIC‐DJORDJEVIC Dobrila , DJORDJEVIC Nebojsa , TASIC Gordana , DINIC Marina , KARANIKOLIC Aleksandar , PESIC Milica
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in our geographic area, and to determine if there is a correlation between HCV genotypes and the development of HCC.

METHODS:  Thirty‐six patients with HCV‐related HCC and 35 controls with HCV‐associated cirrhosis without HCC were studied. The diagnosis of HCV infection was performed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test for the detection of anti‐HCV antibodies and by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HCV‐RNA. HCV genotyping was performed by line probe assay‐Inno‐LIPA HCV II. The diagnosis of underlying disease in the patients with HCC was performed on the basis of clinical, biochemical or histological evidence.

RESULTS:  Genotype 1b was found in 28 (77.77%) patients with HCC, and in 16 (45.71%) controls. There was significant difference in the prevalence of genotype 1b between the patients with HCC and those with cirrhosis without HCC (P < 0.05). Having analyzed the diagnosis of underlying diseases, underlying cirrhosis in 29 (80.55%) and chronic active hepatitis in 7 (19.44%) patients with HCC was found.

CONCLUSION:  Results of the present study suggest that there is a correlation between HCV genotype 1b and the development of HCC. Our findings also add support to the hypothesis that cirrhosis is a major step in liver carcinogenesis associated with HCV, which suggests an indirect role of HCV in the pathogenesis of HCC.
Effect of a novel phyto‐compound on mucosal candidiasis: Further evidence from an ex vivo study
Authors: NAKAJIMA Juntaro , PAPAAH Pete , YOSHIZAWA Masako , MAROTTA Francesco , NAKAJIMA Teriyuki , MIHARA Shin , MINELLI Emilio
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To isolate, identify and determine the prevalence of yeasts in the oral cavity of individuals and to test the minimum inhibitory dilution (MID) of Kolorex against the yeasts isolated.

METHODS:  Twenty‐nine individuals of both sexes aged on average 61.3 years were evaluated at the dental clinic in order to isolate and identify yeasts from their oral cavity, with and without lesions, and to determine the MID of the commercial phyto‐product Kolorex against the strains isolated. The antifungal activity of the product tested was determined by the technique of dilution on a solid medium. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) was measured by biotinylated antibody assay by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS:  Yeasts of the genus Candida were detected in the saliva of 45.4% of the 11 individuals with a clinically healthy mouth and in 88.2% of 17 individuals with oral lesions. In the group with oral candidiasis we isolated in tongue and lesion, respectively, for each species: C. tropicalis (5.8% and 11.7%), C. glabrata (5.8% and 5.8%) and C. parapsilosis (0% and 5.8%), in addition to C. albicans as the only species or in association with others, respectively (64.7% and 70.5%). The total clonal formation unit (CFU) (counts/mL) in the saliva showed a higher mean value in the group with oral candidiasis (158.3 × 103) than in the control group (64.6 × 103). Most of the 70 test strains (95.7%) were sensitive to Kolorex by presenting a MID of 1:20. Sixty percent of strains from the 70 healthy sites showed results similar to those obtained with strains from oral lesions. Different results were mainly observed among different species. Patients with oral lesions showed a significant time‐course increase of the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP 1) as compared to those without lesions or to healthy people in whom Candida has not been detected (P < 0.05). Co‐culture with Kolorex using aliquots from the same patients with oral lesions inhibited such event (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:  Although this study was focused on oral cavity candidiasis, the results indicate the possibility of a broader use of the antifungal Kolorex in the prevention and treatment of mucosal candidiasis located elsewhere.
Apolipoprotein AI‐CIII‐AIV gene cluster polymorphisms in relation to cholesterol gallstone
Authors: YAO You Gui , QIU Xiong , MA Ming Kun , PU Dao Sheng , XIAO Lu Jia
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the frequency of variants at Xmn I, Msp I sites of apolipoprotein (Apo), A I‐CIII‐AIV gene cluster, and its relation to cholesterol gallstones in Chinese patients.

METHODS:  Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) at Xmn I, Msp I sites of ApoAI‐CIII‐AIV gene cluster were studied using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 161 patients with cholesterol gallstones and 94 healthy subjects from a Chinese population in Sichuan Province.

RESULTS:  In both the cholesterol gallstone group and the healthy control group, X1 and M1 alleles were the major alleles and homozygous X1X1 and M1M1 genotypes were the most frequent. However, the frequency of X2 allele mutation in female patients of the cholesterol gallstones group was significantly higher than that in women in the healthy control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was found in the frequency of M2 alleles mutation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:  The data showed that Xmn I RFLP of ApoAI‐CIII‐AIV gene cluster is associated to some extent with cholesterol gallstones in female Chinese patients.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Malaysia: A demographic, anthropometric, metabolic and histological study
Authors: MALIK Abdul , CHEAH Phaik‐Leng , HILMI Ida Normiha , CHAN Siew Pheng , GOH Khean‐Lee
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing rapidly in the Asia–Pacific region. There has been a paucity of studies from the region. The aims of this study were to define the demographic, anthropometric, metabolic and histological characteristics of patients with NAFLD in our local population and to determine independent predictors of severe liver fibrosis.

METHODS: Patients with persistently raised liver enzymes and/or fatty liver detected on ultrasonography with exclusion of other liver disorders were prospectively recruited. Their insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance score. A liver biopsy was performed in all cases for grading (for steatohepatitis) and staging (for fibrosis) of NAFLD. Independent risk factors for fibrosis were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Seventy‐five patients were recruited: 39 men (52%) and 36 women (48%). The mean age of the patients was 47.0 ± 12.2 years. Of these, 58 patients (77.3%) were centrally obese, 29 patients (38.7%) were diabetic and 15 patients (20.0%) had impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance was diagnosed in 62 out of 64 (96.9%) patients. Benign steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis were diagnosed in three (4.3%), 59 (84.3%) and eight (11.4%) of 70 patients, respectively. Significant independent predictors of liver fibrosis were; male sex (P = 0.019, OR = 5.55, CI = 1.33–23.18) and Indian race (P = 0.013,OR = 8.21,CI = 1.56–43.16).

CONCLUSIONS: The full histological spectrum of NAFLD was seen in our patients. The majority of patients were insulin resistant, centrally obese and either diabetic or had impaired glucose tolerance. The predictors of severe liver fibrosis were male sex and Indian race.
A Spatio‐Temporal Model for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data – with a View to Resting State Networks
Authors: VEDEL JENSEN EVA B. , THORARINSDOTTIR THORDIS L.
Published: January 2007

Abstract.  Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique for studying the active human brain. During the fMRI experiment, a sequence of MR images is obtained, where the brain is represented as a set of voxels. The data obtained are a realization of a complex spatio‐temporal process with many sources of variation, both biological and technical. We present a spatio‐temporal point process model approach for fMRI data where the temporal and spatial activation are modelled simultaneously. It is possible to analyse other characteristics of the data than just the locations of active brain regions, such as the interaction between the active regions. We discuss both classical statistical inference and Bayesian inference in the model. We analyse simulated data without repeated stimuli both for location of the activated regions and for interactions between the activated regions. An example of analysis of fMRI data, using this approach, is presented.
Interparental Conflict and Preschoolers’ Peer Relations: The Moderating Roles of Temperament and Gender
Authors: David Kevin M. , Murphy Bridget C.
Published: January 2007

The relations between destructive interparental conflict (IPC) and three‐ to six‐year‐olds’ (N = 62) peer relations were examined as a function of child temperament and gender. Regression analyses indicated that effortful control moderated the relations of IPC with children's amount of peer interaction as well as with their problematic relations with peers. Specifically, high IPC was associated with low amount of interaction and high problematic relations for preschoolers low in effortful control, but it was related to high amount of interaction and low problems for those high in effortful control. Additionally, gender differences in the relations between IPC and the amount of peer interaction indicated that IPC was negatively related to the amount of interaction for girls but positively related to the amount for boys. The findings highlight the need for examining individual differences in the relations between IPC and the development of early peer relations.
Self‐enhancement of Peer Acceptance: Implications for Children's Self‐worth and Interpersonal Functioning
Authors: Kistner Janet , David Corinne , Repper Karla
Published: January 2007

Changes in feelings of self‐worth and peer acceptance associated with self‐enhancing perceptions of their peer acceptance were examined for a normative sample and for a group of peer‐rejected children. Whether the correlates of self‐enhancement differed as a function of the way in which perceptions were assessed (i.e., general versus specific measures of self‐enhancement) or by the degree of enhancement were also studied. Using a longitudinal design, 670 students in grades 3 through 5 were assessed across an academic year. For the normative sample, general self‐enhancement of peer acceptance was associated with positive outcomes; specific self‐enhancement of peer acceptance was unrelated to changes in outcomes. Both general and specific self‐enhancement scores were associated with gains in one or more outcome measures in the rejected group. No support was found for the hypothesis that mild to moderate self‐enhancement is predictive of adjustment whereas extreme self‐enhancement is related to maladjustment.
Theory of Mind, Self‐worth and the Mother–Child Relationship
Authors: Cahill Katherine R. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Pike Alison , Hughes Claire
Published: January 2007

We tested the hypothesis that mother–child warmth and responsiveness would moderate the link between young children's theory of mind skills and self‐worth. Participants included 125 same‐sex pairs of 3.5 year‐old twins and their mothers. A battery of tests was individually administered to measure the children's theory of mind skills and verbal intelligence, and their self‐reported self‐worth was assessed using a puppet interview. Following visits to the families' homes, the observers completed ratings of warm responsive mother–child behavior based on videotaped unstructured and structured observations. As expected, warm responsive behavior moderated the relation between their theory of mind and the child's self‐worth. Their theory of mind was positively associated with self‐worth in warm responsive mother–child dyads, and there was weaker evidence that their theory of mind may be negatively associated with self‐worth in less warm, unresponsive mother–child dyads.
False Belief and Emotion Understanding in Post‐institutionalized Children
Authors: Tarullo Amanda R. , Bruce Jacqueline , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: January 2007

Deficits in social cognition may impair the ability to negotiate social transactions and relationships and contribute to socio emotional difficulties experienced by some post‐institutionalized children. We examined false belief and emotion understanding in 40 institutional care‐adopted children, 40 foster care‐adopted children and 40 birth children. Both groups of adopted children were adopted internationally. Controlling for verbal ability, post‐institutionalized children scored lower than birth children on a false belief task. Almost half of the post‐institutionalized children performed below chance levels. The foster care group did not differ from either group on false belief understanding. The groups did not differ on emotion understanding after controlling for verbal ability. The results suggest that some post‐institutionalized children are delayed in false belief understanding.
‘Would Others Think It Is Okay to Express My Feelings?’ Regulation of Anger, Sadness and Physical Pain in Gujarati Children in India
Authors: Raval Vaishali V. , Martini Tanya S. , Raval Pratiksha H.
Published: January 2007

Despite the recognition of cultural influences on emotional development, very little is known regarding emotion regulation in children from different cultures. This study examined beliefs regarding social acceptability and regulatory behaviors in 80 children (aged five to six years and eight to nine years) from two urban communities (suburban and old city) in Gujarat, India. The children's explicit reasons and their preferred methods of expression and control were also investigated. The results revealed that the children considered others to be less accepting of their expressions of anger and sadness and, in turn, they reported controlling their anger and sadness more than their physical pain. The remarkable congruence between children's beliefs regarding acceptability and reported behaviors was consistent with the notion that cognitions that focus on evaluations of others are particularly salient in guiding socioemotional behavior in a collectivist culture like India. Within‐culture differences were also imperative, indicating that the children in the old city considered others to be less accepting of all of their expressions, and reported controlling these expressions more than the children in the suburban community. These differences are discussed in the context of variations in broader cultural values (i.e., the extent of collectivist orientation and adherence to Hindu ideology) in the two communities.
Positive Peer Relationships and Risk of Victimization in Chinese and South Korean Children's Peer Groups
Authors: Abou‐ezzeddine Tania , Schwartz David , Chang Lei , Lee‐Shin Yoolim , Farver JoAnn , Xu Yiyuan
Published: January 2007

This study examined the moderating role of positive peer relationships in the relation between behavioral or academic risk factors and victimization in Asian children's peer groups. We recruited 296 children (161 boys, 135 girls) from Tianjin, China (mean age of 11.5 years) and 122 children (66 boys, 56 girls) from Seoul, South Korea (approximate mean age of 11 years). The children's behavioral, academic and social functioning were assessed with a multi‐informant approach. Their behavioral and academic vulnerabilities were associated with their victimization by peers. However, these effects were mitigated for children who were able to establish positive relationships with their peers. Taken together, our findings highlight the potential buffering role of peer relationships in the cultural contexts examined.
Developmental Trends in Self‐regulation among Low‐income Toddlers
Authors: Raikes H. Abigail , Robinson JoAnn L. , Bradley Robert H. , Raikes Helen H. , Ayoub Catherine C.
Published: January 2007

The attainment of self‐regulatory skills during the toddler years is an understudied issue, especially among low‐income children. The present study used growth modeling to examine the change over time and the final status in children's abilities to self‐regulate, in a sample of 2,441 low‐income children aged 14 to 36 months. Positive growth in their self‐regulation occurred between 14 and 36 months, but individual variation was observed in both the growth rates and final status. Children who showed high degrees of negativity at 14, 24 and 36 months grew at slower rates than other children. Boys and children high in negativity had lower scores in self‐regulation at 36 months than girls and children with low negativity, whereas higher quality mother–child interactions at 14 and 24 months were associated with better self‐regulation at 36 months. The results suggest that some children may be at risk for developing problems in regulation because of mother–child interaction patterns and child characteristics such as high negativity.
Social Status as a Predictor of Race and Gender Stereotypes in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence
Authors: Rowley Stephanie J. , Kurtz‐Costes Beth , Mistry Rashmita , Feagans Laura
Published: January 2007

We examined race and gender stereotypes in fourth‐, sixth‐ and eighth‐grade White and Black children. The participants reported their perceptions of the competence of Black, White, female and male children in academic domains, sports and music. In general, low‐status groups (girls and Black children) did not endorse stereotypes that reflected negatively on their own group but were likely to report stereotypes that favored their social group. High‐status groups (boys and Whites) endorsed most traditional stereotypes, whether negative or positive, for their social group. Where age differences appeared, older children were more likely than younger children to report traditional stereotypes and status effects were more pronounced. The results are discussed in terms of group enhancement and relationships between social stereotypes and self‐views.