bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ultrastructure of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus
Authors: Durojaiye O. A. , Taylor W. P. , Smale C.
Published: August 2010

The ultrastructure of the virus of peste des petits ruminants was studied by electron microscopy. Results showed that the virus particles are pleomorphic, the diameter of intact particles varying between 130 and 390 nm. The herring bone‐like ribonucleoprotein strands varied between 14 and 23 nm in thickness. The envelopes were 8.5—14.5 nm in thickness, while the spikes measured 8—15nm in length. Some filamentous forms were visible. The ultrastructural features of this virus showed a close similarity to those of the viruses of rinderpest, canine distemper and measles.

Feinstruktur des Virus der Peste des petits ruminants

Die Feinstruktur des Virus der „Peste des petits ruminants” (Pest der kleinen Wiederkäuer) wurde elektronenmikroskopisch untersucht. Aufgrund der Ergebnisse ist das Virus pleomorph mit einem Durchmesser intakter Partikel zwischen 130 und 390 nm. Die Fischgräten‐ähnlichen Ribonukleoproteinstränge variieren zwischen 14 bis 23 nm Dicke. Die Hüllen waren 8,5 bis 14,s nm stark und die Spikes 8 bis 15 nm lang. Auch filamentöse Formen wurden gefunden. Die Strukturdetails des Virus waren denen von Rinderpest‐, Hundestaupe‐ und Masernvirus sehr ähnlich.

Structure fine du virus de la peste des petits ruminants

La structure fine du virus de la peste des petits ruminants a été examinée au microscope électronique. Sur la base des résultats, le virus est pléomorphe avec un diamètre des particules intactes entre 130 et 390 nm. Les cordons de ribonucléoprotéine en forme d'arêtes de poisson varient entre 14 à 23 nm d'épaisseur. Les enveloppes étaient fortes de 8,5 à 14,5 nm et les pointes d'une longueur de 8 à 15 nm. Des formes filamenteuses ont également été trouvées. Les détails de structure du virus furent très semblables à ceux du virus de la peste bovine, de la maladie de Carré et de la rougeole.

La ultraestructura del virus de la peste de los pequeños rumiantes

Se analizó con el microscopio electrónico la ultraestructura del virus de la peste de los pequeños rumiantes (PPR). A la vista de los resultados, el virus es pleomorfo con un diámetro de partículas intactas entre 130 y 390 nm. Los cordones de ribonucleoproteínas, semejantes a raspas, varían entre 14 y 23 nm de espesor. Las envolturas tenían un espesor de 8,5 hasta 14,5nm, y las puntas median 8 hasta 15nm de largo. También se hallaron formas filamentosas. Los detalles estructurales del virus eran muy semejantes a los de los virus peste bovina, moquillo y sarampión.
Zur Verbreitung der Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) der Salmoniden in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland1
Authors: Pfeil‐Putzien C. , Hoffmann R. , Popp W. , Schauner M.
Published: August 2010

In den Jahren 1982—1984 wurde der Erreger der bakteriellen Nierenerkrankung der Salmoniden (BKD) von Fischen aus 13 Teichwirtschaften und 5 Freigewässern isoliert. Es waren die Genera Salmo, Oncorhynchus, Salvelinus und Hucho betroffen. Der Erreger wurde durch Anzucht und Immunofluoreszenz nachgewiesen.

Möglichkeiten der Kontrolle werden diskutiert.

On the occurrence of the Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) in the Federal Republic of Germany

Between 1982 and 1984, Renibacterium salmoninarum, the agent of BKD, was found in salmonids of 13 fish farms and 5 free water systems. Members of the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, Salvelinus and Hucho were affectect. The agent could be demonstrated by cultivation and immunofluorescence technique.

Methods of control are discussed.

A propos de l'extension de la maladie rénale bactérienne (BKD) des salmonidés en République fédérale d'Allemagne

L'agent de la maladie rénale bactérienne des salmonidés (BKD) a été isolé de 1982—1984 chez des poissons de 13 étangs de production et de 5 cours d'eau. Les genres Salmo, Oncorhynchus, Salvelinus et Hucho ont éte atteints. Le germe fut mis en évidence par culture et immunofluorescence.

Des possibilités de contrôle sont discutées.

Sobre la incidencia de la enfermedad renal bacteriana (BKD) de los salmónidos en la República Federal de Alemania

Durante los años 1982—1984 fue aislado el Renibacterium salmoniarum, agente etiológico de la enfermedad renal bacteriana (BKD) de los salmónidos, en peces procedentes de 13 explotaciones lacustres y 5 sistemas de agua libre. Estaban atacados los géneros Salmo, Oncorhynchus, Salvelinus y Hucho. La bacteria mencionada se logró poner en evidencia mediante cultivo y técnica de inmunofluorescencia.

Se discuten las posibilidades de control.
Nuevo Caso deLagochilascaris major(Leiper1910) En la República Argentina, parasitando al gato (Felis catus domesticus)
Authors: Romero J. R. , Led J. E.
Published: August 2010

Se cita un nuevo caso de parasitismo porLagochilascaris majoren una gata. Los parásitos fueron extraidos de un absceso de la región del músculo masetero. Se realizaron observaciones biométricas. Se comprueba la efectividad del mebendazole, en el tratamiento del caso clínico, intentándose sin resultado la infestación experimental de un gato y de una comadreja(Didelphys azarae).

Ein neuer Fall einer Infestation durchLagochilascaris major(Leiper1910) — Bei einer Katze(Felis Catus dométicus)in Argentinien

Es wird ein neuer Fall von Parasitismus durchLagochilascaris major(Leiper1910), bei einer Katze, in Argentinien beschrieben. Die Parasiten wurden einem Abszeß der masseterischen Gegend entnommen. Biometrische Beobachtungen wurde durchgeführt.

Die Wirksamkeit des Mebendazole in diesem klinischen Fall konnte festgestellt werden. Experimentelle Infizierungen einer anderen Katze beziehungsweise eines Marders(Didelphys azarae)gelangen nicht.

A new case ofLagochilascaris major(Leiper1910) — In Argentine Republic in Cat(Felis catus domesticus)

A new case of parasitism byLagochilascaris majorin a female cat is reported. The parasites were removed from a subcutaneous abscess in the masseter muscle region and biometric determinations were performed.

The effectiveness of mebendazole in the treatment of the clinic case is demonstrated. Attempts at experimental infection of another cat and a weasel(Didelphys azarae)with these nematoda were unsuccessful.

Neuf cas deLagochilascaris major(Leiper1910) — Dans la République Argentine, en Parasitant au Chat(Felis catus domesticus)

On cite un neuf cas de parasitisme pourLagochilascaris majordans une chatte. Les parasites ont été extrait d'un abcés de la région du masséter, et fait observations biométriques.

On prouve L'efficacité du mebendazole dans le traitement du cas clinique. On prétendant infester experimentalment un chat et una belette(Didelphys azarae)sans résultat.
Beeinflussung der phytomitogen‐induzierten Lymphozytentransformation durch Trichothecene
Authors: Bauer J. , Pawlas Sigrid
Published: August 2010

Zehn Trichothecene wurden in vitro geprüft, in welchen Konzentrationen sie noch die Phythämagglutinin‐induzierte Transformation von Schweinelymphozyten hemmen können. Bezüglich der Wirksamkeit ergab sich folgende Reihung: T‐2 Toxin > Diaceto‐xyscirpenol > HT‐2 Toxin > Neosolaniol = Fusarenon × > T‐2 Triol = T‐2 Tetraol = Nivalenol = Deoxynivalenol > Verrucarol.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß im Organismus entstehende T‐2 Toxin‐Metaboliten (HT‐2 Toxin, T‐2 Triol, T‐2 Tetraol, Neosolaniol) immer noch eine immunsuppressive Aktivität besitzen, wenn auch in geringerem Ausmafß.

Influence of trichothecenes on phytomitogen induced lymphocyte transformation

Ten trichothecenes were examined in vitro in order to test the concentrations in which they are still able to inhibit the phytomitogen induced transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes of swine. The efficacy of the compounds tested was as follows: T‐2 Toxin > Diacetoxyscirpenol > HT‐2 Toxin > Neosolaniol = Fusarenon × > T‐2 Triol = T‐2 Tetraol = Nivalenol = Deoxynivalenol > Verrucarol.

The results show that T‐2 Toxin metabolites produced in the organism still possess immunosuppressive activities although to a lesser degree.

Influence de la transformation des lymphocytes induite par des phytomitogènes avec des trichothécènes

Dix trichothécènes ont été examinés in vitro à des concentrations qui pouvaient encore inhiber la transformation induite par phytohémagglutinine des lymphocytes du porc. La classification per efficacité fut la suivante: T‐2 toxine > diacétoxyscirpenol > HT‐2 toxine > réosolaniolfusarenon × > T‐2 triol = T‐2 tetraol = nivalenol = déoxynivalenol > verrucarol.

Les résultats montrent que les métabolites de toxine T‐2 dans l'organisme (HT‐2 toxine, T‐2 triol, T‐2 tetraol, néosolanol) possèdent toujours encore une activité immunosuppressive, même à faible quantité.

La influenciación de la transformación de linfocitos, inducida por fitomitógenos, por tricotecenos

Se analizaron «in vitro» diez tricotecenos con la intención de averiguar hasta qué concentraciones pueden inhibir aún la transformación de linfocitos porcinos, inducida por las fitohemoaglutininas. Con respecto a la efectividad se constató la ringla siguiente: toxina T‐2 > diacetoxiescirpenol > toxina HT‐2 > neosolaniol = fusarenona × > triol T‐2 = tetraol T‐2 = nivalenol = deoxinivalenol > verrucarol.

Muestran los resultados que los metabolitos de la toxina T‐2 que se forman en el organismo (toxina HT‐2, triol T‐2, tetraol T‐2, neosolaniol) poseen aún una actividad inmunosupresiva, aunque también en grado menor.
Funde von Echinococcus multilocularis bei streunenden Hauskatzen in Süddeutschland
Authors: Meyer H. , Svilenov D.
Published: August 2010

Es wurden 11 streunende Katzen auf Befall rnit Echinococcus multilocularis unter‐sucht. Bei 5 Katzen wurden Stadien dieses Parasiten mit reifen Endgliedern gefunden.

Finding of Echinococcus multilocularis in stray domestic cats in South Germany

Eleven stray cats were examined for the presence of E. multilocularis and five of them showed parasites (25—500 per cat) with ripe segments.
Salvage chemotherapy with methotrexate, etoposide and actinomycin D in men with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors with a choriocarcinoma component: A preliminary report
Authors: Terakawa Tomoaki , Miyake Hideaki , Muramaki Mototsugu , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: August 2010

The objective of the present study was to assess the use of salvage chemotherapy using methotrexate, etoposide and actinomycin D (MEA) in men with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) with a choriocarcinoma component. Nine patients were included. They had initially received bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, and high‐dose ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide as induction chemotherapies. However, they failed to achieve the normalization of β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐HCG). Therefore, MEA therapy (methotrexate: 450 mg/body on day 1, actinomycin D: 0.5 mg/body on days 1–5, etoposide: 100 mg/body on days 1–5) was subsequently administered. After MEA therapy (median: 3 cycles), serum β‐HCG was normalized in five of the nine patients. Of these five, three achieved long‐term disease‐free survival and one died of disease unrelated to NSGCT, whereas the remaining patient developed disease recurrence and died of disease progression. All four patients who failed to achieve the normalization of β‐HCG died of disease progression. Although several severe toxicities greater than grade 3, which were mainly associated with bone marrow suppression, occurred in all patients, there was no treatment‐related death. Considering the current outcomes, MEA regimen could be an attractive option as a salvage chemotherapy for metastatic NSGCT patients with a choriocarcinoma component showing resistance to intensive conventional chemotherapies.
Roles of light and serotonin in the regulation of gastrin‐releasing peptide and arginine vasopressin output in the hamster SCN circadian clock
Authors: Francl Jessica M. , Kaur Gagandeep , Glass J. David
Published: August 2010

Daily timing of the mammalian circadian clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is regulated by photic input from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract. This signaling is mediated by glutamate, which activates SCN retinorecipient units communicating to pacemaker cells in part through the release of gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP). Efferent signaling from the SCN involves another SCN‐containing peptide, arginine vasopressin (AVP). Little is known regarding the mechanisms regulating these peptides, as literature on in vivo peptide release in the SCN is sparse. Here, microdialysis–radioimmunoassay procedures were used to characterize mechanisms controlling GRP and AVP release in the hamster SCN. In animals housed under a 14/10‐h light–dark cycle both peptides exhibited daily fluctuations of release, with levels increasing during the morning to peak around midday. Under constant darkness, this pattern persisted for AVP, but rhythmicity was altered for GRP, characterized by a broad plateau throughout the subjective night and early subjective day. Neuronal release of the peptides was confirmed by their suppression with reverse‐microdialysis perfusion of calcium blockers and stimulation with depolarizing agents. Reverse‐microdialysis perfusion with the 5‐HT1A,7 agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT ((±)‐8‐hydroxydipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide) during the day significantly suppressed GRP but had little effect on AVP. Also, perfusion with the glutamate agonist NMDA, or exposure to light at night, increased GRP but did not affect AVP. These analyses reveal distinct daily rhythms of SCN peptidergic activity, with GRP but not AVP release attenuated by serotonergic activation that inhibits photic phase‐resetting, and activated by glutamatergic and photic stimulation that mediate this phase‐resetting.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)‐expressing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus: innervation, light responsiveness and entrainment in CCK‐deficient mice
Authors: Hannibal Jens , Hundahl Christian , Fahrenkrug Jan , Rehfeld Jens F. , Friis‐Hansen Lennart
Published: August 2010

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the principal pacemaker driving circadian rhythms of physiology and behaviour. Neurons within the SCN express both classical and neuropeptide transmitters which regulate clock functions. Cholecyctokinin (CCK) is a potent neurotransmitter expressed in neurons of the mammalian SCN, but its role in circadian timing is not known. In the present study, CCK was demonstrated in a distinct population of neurons located in the shell region of the SCN and in a few cells in the core region. The CCK neurons did not express vasopressin or vasoactive intestinal peptide. However, CCK‐containing processes make synaptic contacts with both groups of neurons and some CCK cell bodies were innervated by VIPergic neurons. The CCK neurons received no direct input from the three major pathways to the SCN, and the CCK neurons were not light‐responsive as evaluated by induction of cFOS, and did not express the core clock protein PER1. Accordingly, CCK‐deficient mice showed normal entrainment and had similar τ, light‐induced phase shift and negative masking behaviour as wild‐type animals. In conclusion, CCK signalling seems not to be involved directly in light‐induced resetting of the clock or in regulating core clock function. The expression of CCK in a subpopulation of neurons, which do not belonging to either the VIP or AVP cells but which have synaptic contacts to both cell types and reverse innervation of CCK neurons from VIP neurons, suggests that the CCK neurons may act in non‐photic regulation within the clock and/or, via CCK projections, mediate clock information to hypothalamic nuclei.
Winners and Losers during a Deep Economic Crisis: Firm‐level Evidence from Indonesian Manufacturing*
Authors: Narjoko Dionisius , Hill Hal
Published: August 2010

What happens to firms during periods of deep economic crisis? Depending on the nature of the crisis, the general effects are well known. However, owing to data availability, there are relatively few detailed firm‐level studies. With the aid of an unusually rich database, the present paper investigates the effects of Indonesia's 1997–1998 crisis on manufacturing establishments. Consistent with studies of other crisis episodes, foreign ownership and prior export orientation are found to be highly significant determinants of survival and recovery. The effects of firm size are ambiguous. The industry in which firms are located, in particular its factor proportions, is also found to be significant.
Message content, group identification and the intergroup sensitivity effect: Responses to the message and recognition memory
Authors: Tekman Hasan G. , Hortaçsu Nuran , Ok Afife B.
Published: August 2010

An intergroup sensitivity effect (ISE) is people's tendency to react more negatively to a criticism when it was made by an outgroup member than when the same criticism was made by an ingroup member. The present study investigated variation in ISE when the criticism was varied in terms of valence (absence of positive qualities or presence of negative qualities) and level of abstraction (traits or behaviours). Dependent measures were emotional reactions to the criticism, perceived constructiveness, ingroup bias, and recognition memory for the criticism. All participants showed an ISE to the negative abstract criticism. In addition, consistent with the social identity account of ISE, participants' levels of identification with their ingroup moderated the ISE in some of the measures.
The Diversification and Performance of Self‐Managed Superannuation Funds
Authors: Phillips Peter J. , Cathcart Alex , Teale John
Published: August 2010

In this article we examine the diversification and performance of a small preliminary sample of Australian self‐managed superannuation (retirement) funds (SMSFs). Using the single index model and traditional (risk‐adjusted) performance measures within the context set by modern portfolio theory we find that the SMSFs in our sample exhibit considerable under‐diversification. In addition, we find that the SMSFs do not appear to be benefiting from even naive diversification and, unsurprisingly, perform poorly on a risk‐adjusted basis vis‐à‐vis the unmanaged S&P/ASX300 index. This empirical investigation contributes to economists' understanding of the microeconomic structure of this increasingly important component of Australia's retirement income stream.
Autoregressive trending risk function and exhaustion in random asset price movement
Authors: Tang Qi , Yan Danni
Published: August 2010

In this article, we look again at the derivation of Black–Scholes option value equation. The risk function involved, as we discussed, if looked at more closely, is more complicated than the standard deviation function that people are used to. This observed risk function implies interesting properties of asset price movements in real‐world situations and it seems to have the ability to indicate when price move in one direction is ‘exhausted’ and a reverse of trend should take place. Therefore, a model based on random walk theory may derive autoregressive trend reversing indicator at particular moments of asset price movements.
Real‐time contrast‐enhanced ultrasound determination of microvascular blood volume in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in man. Evidence for adipose tissue capillary recruitment
Authors: Tobin L. , Simonsen L. , Bülow J.
Published: August 2010

The adipose tissue metabolism is dependent on its blood perfusion. During lipid mobilization e.g. during exercise and during lipid deposition e.g. postprandial, adipose tissue blood flow is increased. This increase in blood flow may involve capillary recruitment in the tissue. We investigated the basic and postprandial microvascular volume in adipose tissue using real‐time contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEU) imaging in healthy normal weight subjects. In nine subjects, CEU was performed in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and in the underlying skeletal muscle after a bolus injection of ultrasound contrast agent to establish the reproducibility of the technique. In nine subjects, the effect of an oral glucose load on blood flow and microvascular volume was measured in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and forearm skeletal muscle. 133Xe washout and venous occlusion strain‐gauge plethysmography was used to measure the adipose tissue and forearm blood flow, respectively. Ultrasound signal intensity of the first plateau phases was 27 ± dB in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and 18 ± 2dB (P<0·05) in the underlying skeletal muscle. The reproducibility of the measurements was good with a 4% coefficient of variation in both tissues. Blood flow and the change in signal intensity as a measure of the microvascular volume increased significantly and simultaneously in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue after glucose intake. The forearm blood flow and muscle signal intensity remained constant. It is concluded that the microvascular volume and changes in volume in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue can be assessed using CEU with good reproducibility. Postprandial capillary recruitment takes place in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Early response to lamivudine therapy in clinically non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients with decompensation
Authors: Dai Chia‐Yen , Yu Ming‐Lung , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lee LI‐Po , Hou Nai‐Jen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Lin Zu‐Yau , Hsieh Ming‐Yuh , Wang Liang‐Yen , Tsai Jun‐Fa , Chang Wen‐Yu , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: August 2010

This study aimed to elucidate the rate and predictors of early (6 months) therapeutic responses to lamivudine, the rate of early mortality and the use of the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) and Index in predicting the survival in patients with a clinical diagnosis of non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B with decompensation. Ninety‐eight patients with lamivudine therapy were enrolled and MELD and Index scores were calculated. Surviving patients were treated with lamivudine for more than 6 months. Four (4.1%) of the 98 patients died after initiation of lamivudine therapy. After a 6‐month lamivudine therapy, 80 (85.1%) patients and 71 (75.5%) patients had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (<200 copies/mL), respectively, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients had a significantly higher rate of negative HBV DNA than HBeAg‐positive patients (P=0.002). The rates of HBeAg seroconversion and negative HBV DNA were 28.8 and 63.5%, respectively, and patients with HBeAg seroconversion had a significantly higher rate of negative HBV DNA (P=0.004). By multivariate analyses, older age, HBV nongenotype B infection, negative HBeAg and higher ALT levels were factors associated with negative HBV DNA, and a higher ALT level was associated with HBeAg seroconversion at month 6 after lamivudine therapy. MELD score and Index score were significantly associated with death and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting survival were 0.936 and 0.907 respectively. We concluded that after 6‐month lamivudine therapy, the patients who survived achieved favourable biochemical, virological responses and rate of HBeAg seroconversion. Both MELD and Index scoring systems are good models to predict the 6‐month survival.
Clinicopathological improvement of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis associated with weight loss during a 14‐year follow‐up period
Authors: Nishide Tomohiro , Ikeda Kenji , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: August 2010

A 44‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital for investigation of persistently abnormal liver function tests. She was mildly obese and hypertensive, but not alcoholic. Laboratory studies showed high levels of aminotransferases, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hyaluronic acid and an abnormally low adiponectin level. Viral markers were negative and autoimmune liver disease was excluded. Laparoscopic and histopathological examinations were compatible with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), grade 1, stage 2. The patient developed diabetes 2 years after the first examination, and weight management was provided. She was admitted again to our hospital 14 years later. Her body weight had since decreased by 12 kg and laboratory studies disclosed high triglycerides, normalization of aminotransferases and adiponectin in parallel with body weight loss. Laparoscopic and histopathological examinations were compatible with NASH, grade 1, stage 0, indicating improvement relative to the first admission. We report on a case of NASH with reduction of body weight within a period of 14 years, associated with clinicopathological improvement.
Timing of ischaemia/reperfusion before hepatectomy without inflow occlusion determines liver damage in rats: role of heat shock protein 70
Authors: Nakamura Ikuo , Isaji Shuji , Yamagiwa Kentaro , Hamada Takashi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: August 2010

Background: Living donor hepatectomies in liver transplantation are usually performed without inflow occlusion. We hypothesized that selective ischaemia/reperfusion (SIR) before partial hepatectomy (PH) without inflow occlusion might exert a hepatoprotective effect.

Methods: In the SIR groups, rats were subjected to a selective 30‐min ischaemia to the liver that remained after PH, followed by various durations of reperfusion before 70% PH without inflow occlusion. The control group underwent 70% PH alone.

Results: As assessed by serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, 30‐min reperfusion was highly protective against liver injury compared with 10‐min reperfusion, showing the same levels as that of the control group. After PH in the 10‐min reperfusion group, apoptotic cells were significantly higher and the 7‐day survival rate was significantly lower than that of the 30‐min reperfusion group and the control group. In the 30‐min reperfusion group, the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was significantly higher than that in the 10‐min reperfusion group, while apoptosis was improved to the levels of the control group. In the SIR groups, liver regeneration was significantly enhanced, with markedly increased levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) compared with the control group.

Conclusions: The timing of SIR before PH without inflow occlusion seemed to be the most important factor for determining liver damage and survival in the context of HSP70 production, while high levels of IL‐6 appear to be associated with liver regeneration after PH. The procedure of SIR before PH is not recommended because the SIR groups did not overcome the control group.
Surveillance programme for hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival of patients with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Tan Guang‐Ming , Ip Ka‐Ian , Lai Wing‐Kwan , Li Yuk‐Wah , Mak Mercedes Shun‐Chi , Lai Paul Bo‐San , Sung Joseph Jao‐Yiu , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen
Published: August 2010

Background: The survival benefit of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial.

Aim: We aimed to examine the survival benefit of HCC surveillance in chronic viral hepatitis.

Methods: Survivals of HCC patients related to chronic viral hepatitis from the Hepatology Clinic (surveillance group) were compared with those referred from other hospitals/clinics (no‐surveillance group). Lead‐time and length‐time biases were adjusted based on tumour volume doubling times.

Results: Among 579 patients (91% hepatitis B), 472 (82%) patients had HCC and 79 (17%) of these patients were referred from the surveillance programme. HCC was smaller (4.2 vs. 7.7 cm; P<0.001) and fewer in numbers (2.6 vs. 3.8, P=0.03) in the surveillance group vs. the no‐surveillance group. Treatment by surgery (20 vs. 10%, P=0.007) and local ablative therapy (46 vs. 19%, P<0.001) were more frequent in the surveillance group than that in the no‐surveillance group. The median survival of the surveillance group (88 weeks) was significantly longer than that of the no‐surveillance group (26 weeks) (P<0.001). The adjusted cumulative survival at 2 years was significantly longer in the surveillance group if the tumour volume doubling time was <90 days (P=0.0352).

Conclusions: HCC surveillance can improve the survival of patients with chronic viral hepatitis B.
Hepatic stellate cell line modulates lipogenic transcription factors
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo L. M. , Franceschi Mariana F. S. , Andrade Cláudia M. B. , Guaragna Regina M. , Borojevic Radovan , Margis Rogério , Bernard Elena A. , Guma Fátima C. R.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Pre‐adipocyte differentiation into adipocyte is a terminal differentiation process triggered by a cascade of transcription factors. Conversely, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) can switch between lipid storing and the myofibroblast phenotype in association with liver fibrotic processes. Here, adipogenic/lipogenic‐related transcription factors and downstream‐regulated genes were evaluated in a murine HSC cell line. GRX‐HSC cells are transitional myofibroblasts that differentiate into lipocytes following retinol or indomethacin treatment.

Methods/Results: Specific mRNAs were quantified by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction after 24 h or 7 days of cell culture with indomethacin or retinol. Proliferator‐activated receptorγ and Pex16 transcripts were increased either by retinol or indomethacin. Retinol induced a minor increase in C/enhancer binding proteinα transcripts, while only indomethacin increased adipsin transcripts.

Conclusions: Our results showed that the myofibroblast to lipocyte phenotype switch follows partially different transcriptional pathways, according to the effector. Retinol induces lipid synthesis and storage without affecting characteristic adipocytic genes, while indomethacin treatment restores the lipocytic phenotype with increased adipisin expression.
Leptin stimulates α1(I) collagen expression in human hepatic stellate cells via the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Niu Liwen , Wang Xiaohong , Li Jun , Huang Yan , Yang Zhen , Chen Feihu , Ni Hongchang , Jin Yong , Lu Xiongwen , Cao Qi
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Leptin has been recognized as a profibrogenic hormone in the liver and is involved in collagen type I formation by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in response to fibrogenic substances, but the molecular signal mechanisms by which leptin promotes liver fibrogenesis through upregulation of collagen type I expression is not clear. We investigated whether leptin‐induced collagen type I is mediated by the Janus kinase–phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–Akt (JAKs–PI3K–Akt) pathway in a human HSC cell line, LX‐2.

Methods: LX‐2 cells were treated with or without various inhibitors in the presence of leptin.

Results: Leptin increased α1(I) collagen mRNA and protein. JAK1, PI3K and Akt were activated after leptin stimulation. AG490, a JAK inhibitor, blocked JAK1 phosphorylation accompanied by inhibition of PI3K and Akt activation as well as α1(I) collagen mRNA expression, indicating a JAK1‐dependent mechanism. Wortmannin, a PI3K inhibitor, prevented PI3K and Akt activation and resulted in suppression of α1(I) collagen mRNA expression, suggesting a PI3K‐mediated process. These changes were reproduced by overexpression of the dominant‐negative p85α mutant. A443654.3, an Akt inhibitor, opposed Akt activation, leading to downregulation of α1(I) collagen mRNA. Overexpression of the dominant‐negative Akt mutant led to similar alterations.

Conclusion: Leptin has a direct action on liver fibrogenesis by stimulating α1(I) collagen production in activated HSC. The process appears to be mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway through activated JAK1.
Antimitochondrial antibodies of immunoglobulin G3 subclass are associated with a more severe disease course in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Davies Edward T. , Bogdanos Dimitrios‐Petrou , Liaskos Christos , Mytilinaiou Maria , Koukoulis George K. , Dalekos George N. , Vergani Diego
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterised by the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), which are routinely detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IFL) using composite rodent tissue substrate. The IgG subclass distribution and clinical significance of IFL‐detected AMA in patients with PBC have not been previously studied in detail.

Methods: We have examined IgG subclass‐specific AMA detected by IFL on rodent liver, kidney and stomach tissue substrate using affinity‐purified IgG subclass monospecific antisera as revealing reagents in 95 AMA‐positive PBC patients from Greece.

Results: AMA of any of the IgG1, IgG2 or IgG3 subclasses were present in 89/95 (93.7%) patients. Among those 89, 55 (61.8%) had IgG1, 2, 3 AMA positivity; eight (9%) had IgG1, 2; seven (7.9%) had IgG2, 3; eight (9%) had IgG1, 3; nine (10.1%) had IgG1 subclass and two (2.2%) single IgG3 AMA reactivity. IgG4 AMA was absent. IgG3 titres were higher than IgG2 and IgG1 (P<0.001) and IgG1 higher than IgG2 (P<0.001). IgG3 AMA‐positive patients had a histologically more advanced disease (P<0.01) and were more frequently cirrhotic compared with those who were negative (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between AMA IgG3 titre and Mayo risk score (r=0.55, P=0.009, Spearman's correlation).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that AMA are not restricted to a specific IgG subclass. AMA of the IgG3 subclass are associated with a more severe disease course, possibly reflecting the peculiar ability of this isotype to engage mediators of damage.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and liver fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent hepatitis C
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Fabris Carlo , Falleti Edmondo , Cussigh Annarosa , Fontanini Elisabetta , Bitetto Davide , Fornasiere Ezio , Minisini Rosalba , De Feo Tullia , Marangoni Francesca , Pirisi Mario
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, being a putative steatogenic factor, may promote liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C. This study aimed to verify the role of recipient MTHFR polymorphism in favouring graft fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent HCV after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods: We studied 63 such patients, followed for >1 year. MTHFR allelic variants were determined by a polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results: Recipients carrying the TT genotype had more frequently, 1‐year post‐OLT, homocysteine serum levels >23 μmol/L (P<0.05), serum triglycerides >180 mg/dL (P<0.02) and de novo diabetes mellitus (P<0.05) but not a higher frequency of graft steatosis. Time‐to‐event analysis in reaching an Ishak staging score >2 was performed by stratifying the recipients as follows: (a) patients with donor age ≤45 years, (b) patients with donor age >45 and C/* genotype, and (c) patients with donor age >45 years and TT genotype. A significant linear trend was observed, with increasing frequencies as follows: (a) 8/37, (b) 10/19 and (c) 6/7 (P=0.0005).

Conclusion: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism may play a role in influencing liver fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent hepatitis C, in conjunction with donor age, but not via steatosis promotion.
Treatment of chronic portosystemic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients by embolization of portosystemic shunts
Authors: Zidi Sémia H. , Zanditenas David , Gelu‐Siméon Moana , Rangheard Anne‐Sophie , Valla Dominique C. , Vilgrain Valérie , Pelletier Gilles M.
Published: August 2010

Aims/Backgrounds: Large spontaneous portal‐systemic shunts can occasionally be the cause of chronic and disabling encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Shunt embolization has been proposed, however the clinical relevance of this technique remains uncertain.

Methods/Results: We report our results in seven patients treated by shunt embolization. Although the procedure was achieved and technically successful in all patients, the clinical results were poor as long‐term improvement was obtained in only one patient. Three patients died within 3 months after the procedure from cirrhoses' end stage complications.

Conclusion: We believe that optimal management of these patients with chronic spontaneous encephalopathy is liver transplantation.
Lentivirus‐mediated superoxide dismutase1 gene delivery protects against oxidative stress‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Venugopal Senthil Kumar , Wu Jian , Catana Andreea M. , Eisenbud Lauren , He Song‐Qing , Duan Yu‐You , Follenzi Antonia , Zern Mark A.
Published: August 2010

Background: The exposure of liver to hepatotoxins, and their subsequent metabolism, results in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), one of the major culprits in causing both acute liver cell injury and chronic liver diseases. The aim of this present study is to investigate the protective effects of lentiviral vector‐mediated copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (LV‐SOD1) gene transfer against ROS‐induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells and liver injury in mice.

Methods: In vitro SOD1 efficacy was tested against two ROS‐generating systems: hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (HX/XO) and hydroxyethyl radicals (HER), whereas in vivo SOD1 efficacy was evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice.

Results: LV‐SOD1 transduction in Hep G2 cells resulted in a significant increase in SOD activity in cell lysates, and it significantly decreased the toxicity induced by HX/XO and HER. High SOD1 expression in the liver was achieved via portal vein injection of LV‐SOD1 in mice and these high levels were observed for 30 days, the length of the experiment to date. SOD1 overexpression significantly decreased the toxicity and restored liver function in the CCl4‐treated mice.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate for the first time that LV transduction led to the long‐term expression of fully functional transgene expression in both in vitro and in vivo systems.
Managing chronic hepatitis C in the difficult‐to‐treat patient
Authors: Kemmer Nyingi , Neff Guy W.
Published: August 2010

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and disease‐related complications – among them cirrhosis and liver failure – pose a particular management challenge. Some of these patients may fail to respond to current therapy (non‐responders), and some are affected so severely that treatment puts them at an unacceptable risk for complications. Treatment with pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin improves hepatic enzyme levels and eradicates the virus in ≈50% of patients; however, a significant number of patients do not respond to therapy or relapse following treatment discontinuation. Several viral, hepatic and patient‐related factors influence response to IFN therapy; many of these factors cannot be modified to improve long‐term outcomes. Identifying risk factors and measuring viral load early in the treatment can help to predict response to IFN therapy and determine the need to modify or discontinue treatment. Retreatment options for patients who have failed therapy are limited. Retreatment with peg‐IFN has been successful in some patients who exhibit an inadequate response to conventional IFN treatment, particularly those who have relapsed. Consensus IFN, another option in treatment‐resistant patients, has demonstrated efficacy in the retreatment of non‐responders and relapsers. Although the optimal duration of retreatment and the benefits and safety of maintenance therapy have not been determined, an extended duration is likely needed. This article reviews the risk factors for HCV treatment resistance and discusses the assessment and management of difficult‐to‐treat patients.
Lamivudine prophylaxis is effective in reducing hepatitis B reactivation and reactivation‐related mortality in chemotherapy patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Martyak Lenna A. , Taqavi Ehsan , Saab Sammy
Published: August 2010

Background: Hepatitis B viral (HBV) reactivation in patients undergoing chemotherapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Lamivudine has been suggested to be useful as a prophylaxis for HBV reactivation; however, its impact on overall survival and HBV reactivation‐related liver disease survival is unclear.

Objective: To determine the effect of lamivudine prophylaxis on the rate of HBV reactivation, overall survival and HBV reactivation‐related survival in patients with HBV undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Collaboration Database, reference lists and abstracts from national meetings. Statistical analysis was performed using revman.

Results: Eleven studies met the defined inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Two‐hundred and twenty patients received lamivudine prophylaxis and 400 did not receive prophylaxis. Patients given lamivudine prophylaxis had an 87% decrease in HBV reactivation [risk ratio (RR) 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07–0.24] than patients not given prophylaxis [absolute risk reduction (ARR) −0.46, 95% CI, −0.61 to −0.31]. The number needed to treat to prevent one reactivation was 3. The Lamivudine prophylaxis group was also associated with a 70% reduction in reactivation‐related mortality (RR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.1–0.94) compared with controls (ARR −0.03, 95% CI, 0.07–0.00). There was a reduction in treatment delays and premature termination of chemotherapy in the lamivudine prophylaxis arm (RR 0.41, 95% CI, 0.27–0.63; ARR −0.33, 95% CI, −0.33 to −0.15). There was no significant heterogeneity in the comparisons.

Conclusion: Lamivudine prophylaxis during chemotherapy is effective in reducing the rate of HBV reactivation, and reactivation‐related liver mortality. Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had less chemotherapy treatment delays and premature termination of their chemotherapy. Few patients need to be treated to prevent reactivation. Patients with HBV undergoing chemotherapy should be started on lamivudine prophylaxis.
Epigenetic DNA hypermethylation in cholangiocarcinoma: potential roles in pathogenesis, diagnosis and identification of treatment targets
Authors: Sandhu Dalbir S. , Shire Abdirashid M. , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: August 2010

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCs) are highly lethal malignant tumours arising from the biliary tract epithelium. The disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and is usually fatal because of its typically late clinical presentation and the lack of effective non‐surgical therapeutic modalities. The overall survival rate, including resected patients is poor, with less than 5% of patients surviving 5 years, a rate which has not changed significantly over the past 30 years. Although CC is a relatively uncommon tumor, interest in this disease is rising as incidence and mortality rates for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are increasing markedly worldwide. A variety of risk factors, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infestation, and hepatolithiasis have been described. However, for most CCs the cause is unknown, and affected individuals have no history of exposure to, or association with, known risk factors. Recent advances in molecular pathogenesis have highlighted the importance of epigenetic alterations in the form of promoter region hypermethylation and histone deacetylation in addition to genetic changes in the process of cholangiocarcinogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genes reported to be methylated in CC to date and their putative roles in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Future directions in the study of methylated genes and their potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic markers are also discussed.
Gallstones are associated with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Méndez‐Sánchez Nahum , Zamora‐Valdés Daniel , Flores‐Rangel José A. , Pérez‐Sosa Julio A. , Vásquez‐Fernández Francisco , Lezama‐Mora Jezer I. , Vázquez‐Elizondo Genaro , Ponciano‐Rodríguez Guadalupe , Ramos Martha H. , Uribe Misael
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Gallstone disease (GD) and cardiovascular disease (CD) are common diseases worldwide with considerable economical impact and they are strongly associated. Carotid atherosclerosis is an excellent marker of risk for CD like stroke and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gallstones and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted. We evaluated subjects with ultrasonographical evidence of GD and asymptomatic subjects without such evidence. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were collected. The Metabolic syndrome was evaluated using adult treatment panel III criteria. Carotid artery intima–media thickness (CIMT) was determined by a standard ultrasound protocol. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) serum levels were measured in all subjects.

Results: We studied 191 subjects: 62 subjects with GD (53.2% males) and 129 asymptomatic subjects without GD (65.9% males). Subjects with GD exhibited a higher body mass index, body fat percent, insulin serum levels and CIMT (P<0.05 for all). The prevalence of GD was higher in subjects with a CIMT>0.75 independently of other factors [odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–4.34; P=0.039], and for every 0.1 mm increase in CIMT the independent probability to be a case of GD increased by a factor of 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.53; P=0.027). IGF‐1 levels did not differ among groups.

Conclusions: Subjects with GD exhibit greater carotid atherosclerosis, and therefore have a higher risk for stroke and myocardial infarction.
Molecular characterization of hepatitis A virus in children with fulminant hepatic failure in Argentina
Authors: Munné María Silvina , Vladimirsky Sara , Moreiro Rita , Ciocca Mirta , Cuarterolo Miriam , Otegui Lucio , Soto Sonia , Brajterman Leonardo , Castro Raúl , Sasbón Jorge , Gianivelli Silvina , Buamscha Daniel , Quarleri Jorge , González Jorge E.
Published: August 2010

Background: Hepatitis A infection, a vaccine‐preventable disease, is an important cause of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children in Argentina. Universal vaccination in 1‐year‐old children was implemented in June 2005. The limited studies about the correlation between the characteristics of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and FHF have been carried out in adults.

Methods: Samples from 41 children with FHF were studied from September 2003 to January 2006 and HAV RNA was detected, sequenced and analysed in the 5′ non‐coding region and VP1/2A region.

Results: Eighteen HAV strains were characterized and found to be different at the nucleotide level from the self‐limited acute infection strains that have been circulating in Argentina with no temporal or geographical pattern. They did not form a genetic cluster, but some of them were identical in the largest fragment characterized and some of them seemed to be more closely related in time and/or geographically.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that viral factors could be involved in the severity of the clinical presentation of HAV infection in children in Argentina.