bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new step toward standardization of serum hepatitis C Virus-RNA quantification in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Martinot-Peignoux Michèle , Boyer Nathalie , Le Breton Véronique , Le Guludec Gaëlle , Castelnau Corinne , Akremi Raoudha , Marcellin Patrick
Published: July 2004

The need to improve efficacy of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C has prompted the development of quantitative assays, which allows the assessment of viral load before therapy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of 3 serum HCV-RNA quantitative assays in 87 patients with chronic hepatitis C, the noncommercially available SuperQuant assay (National Genetic Institute), recently used in large international controlled trials, the most early and widely used Quantiplex HCV RNA v2.0 assay (branched DNA [bDNA] v2.0; Bayer Diagnostics, Puteaux, France), and the new generation Cobas Amplicor HCV Monitor assay (COBAS v2.0; Roche Diagnostics Systems, Meylan, France), which is a semiautomated reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The level and range of quantification were similar between all assays and a strong correlation was observed over all HCV genotypes among the assays. Recent publications have suggested that the baseline cut-off level of 2 × 106 copies/mL, as determined by the SuperQuant assay, is able to discriminate between patients with low viral load from those with high viral load and can be used to predict responses to therapy. Because all 3 assays use different testing technologies we examined how many of our patients fell above this defined cut-off level when tested by the other assays; of 22 patients measured below 2 × 106 copies/mL with the SuperQuant assay, 17 of 22 and 19 of 22 patients were eligible with the bDNA v2.0 and the COBAS v2.0 assays, respectively (P > .05). Our results indicate that the 2 commercial assays can be used to determine treatment schedules in patients with chronic hepatitis C, providing a flexibility in multicenter controlled trials by offering better accessibility of test results.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cryoglobulinemia: Analysis of whole blood and plasma HCV-RNA concentrations and correlation with liver histology
Authors: Schmidt Warren N. , Stapleton Jack T. , LaBrecque Douglas R. , Mitros Frank A. , Kirby Patricia A. , Phillips Mary Jeanne Perino , Brashear Donna L.
Published: July 2004

The influence of cryoprecipitate (CP) on liver histology and peripheral titers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA was evaluated for 115 patients with chronic hepatitis. Fifty-four patients had measurable CP levels whereas 61 did not. Assessment of liver biopsies for grade of fibrosis revealed that patients with CP had increased fibrosis (P < .001) and incidence of cirrhosis (P = .001) compared with those without CP. In contrast, there was not a significant difference in the inflammatory activity score between the 2 groups. HCV RNA in whole blood (WB) and plasma (Pl) was evaluated in patients with or without CP by end-point-limiting dilution titer. Among patients with CP, WB titers were significantly higher than Pl titers (P < .001); however, there was no difference in WB or Pl titers in patients without CP (P = .068). Histological activity and fibrosis scores of patients from either group were compared with peripheral viral titers of WB and Pl, percentage of CP, rheumatoid factor (RF) titer, and serum alanine transaminase (ALT). There were significant correlations between the amount of fibrosis and the percentage of CP and rheumatoid factor titer, yet neither of the latter parameters was correlated with inflammatory activity. These data suggest that patients with CP and chronic hepatitis owing to HCV are more likely to have progressive disease than patients without CP. Furthermore, the presence of CP in patients infected with HCV appears to influence the amount of virus detected in patient Pl, suggesting that WB assays may be more reliable for HCV-RNA quantitation in patients with CP.
Cancer survival in a southern African urban population
Authors: Gondos Adam , Chokunonga Eric , Brenner Hermann , Parkin Donald Maxwell , Sankila Risto , Borok Margaret Z. , Chirenje Z. Michael , Nyakabau Anna M. , Bassett Mary Travis
Published: July 2004

This paper provides the first comprehensive population based cancer survival estimates from the African continent. Five‐year absolute and relative survival estimates are presented for black and white Zimbabwean patients diagnosed with cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe between the years 1993 and 1997. The survival of black Zimbabwean cancer patients are among the lowest ever reported from population based cancer registries. For most cancer sites, white Zimbabwean patients have much higher survival than black Zimbabweans, except for lung and colorectal cancer, for which the estimates are similarly poor. Race specific comparisons to cancer patients in the United States show that Zimbabwean patients have much lower survival than American cancer patients and that the gap between black Zimbabwean patients and black American patients is broader than between white Zimbabwean and white American patients. Access to and the ability to pay for medical care may be a very important barrier to better survival for the majority of black Zimbabwean patients and the most important cause for the very low cancer survival in this population. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of photooxidation of acetamide herbicides in natural waters by UV radiation and the combinations UV/H2O2 and UV/O3
Authors: Javier Benitez F , Acero Juan L , Real Francisco J , Maya Cecilia
Published: July 2004

The photooxidation of several herbicides belonging to the acetamides group (specifically propachlor, metolachlor and butachlor) by means of a monochromatic UV irradiation in ultrapure water was studied. In the case of propachlor, the quantum yield for its photolysis was evaluated directly, and a value 0.127 ± 0.01 mol Eins−1 was obtained independent of the pH. The quantum yields for the photolysis of metolachlor and butachlor were determined by using a competition kinetic model which used propachlor as reference compound, and values of 0.56 ± 0.05 and 0.78 ± 0.04 mol Eins−1 were deduced respectively for metolachlor and butachlor. In a second step, the elimination of the selected herbicides in some natural and mineral waters was studied by means of several oxidation systems: UV radiation alone, and UV radiation combined with hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The influence of the operating variables in these processes (acetamide type, presence or absence of tert‐butyl alcohol and types of waters) are discussed as a consequence of the amounts of herbicides removed. Two different kinetic studies were carried out for the oxidation of the herbicides: the first one for UV radiation alone and UV radiation combined with H2O2; the second one for the combination UV radiation plus ozone. In these studies, the specific rate constants were evaluated in every process. Finally, kinetic models for the prediction of the elimination of these herbicides in the natural waters selected by the different oxidation systems are proposed. The values of concentrations predicted by these models agree well with the experimental results obtained. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel type of alginate gel‐based adsorbents for heavy metal removal
Authors: Park Hyun Gyu , Chae Myeong Yun
Published: July 2004

Various alginate gel‐based adsorbents were investigated for the removal of heavy metals: alginate beads, alginate capsules, and alginate gel‐coated adsorbent. Of these, alginate capsules showed the greatest Pb2+ uptake capacity of 1560 mg g−1 of dry sodium alginate, and the alginate gel‐coated adsorbent, prepared simply by forming a thin alginate film on an inert matrix, achieved rapid adsorption equilibrium within 10 min. Adsorbed metals were readily removed from the alginate gel‐based adsorbents using eluents such as HNO3 and could be reused for up to 10 adsorption–desorption cycles without marked loss of metal uptake capacity. Alginate gel‐coated adsorbents could be prepared in a dried state and have great application potential for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Recycling of nickel–metal hydride batteries. I: Dissolution and solvent extraction of metals
Authors: Tzanetakis N , Scott K
Published: July 2004

Nickel–metal hydride batteries contain valuable metallic components and although they are not considered a hazardous waste, recovery of these materials is necessary from an economic point of view. In this work a hydrometallurgical method for the dissolution and separation of the metals from cylindrical nickel–metal hydride rechargeable batteries was investigated. Hydrochloric acid was employed as the leaching agent to dissolve the metals from the batteries. Dissolution of metals was investigated as a function of acid concentration, leaching time and temperature. Suitable conditions for maximum metal dissolution were 3 h leaching with 4.0 mol dm−3hydrochloric acid solutions at 95 °C. Extraction of 98% of nickel, 100% of cobalt and 99% of rare earth elements was achieved under these conditions. Separation of the rare earths from nickel and cobalt was preliminarily investigated by single batch solvent extraction with 25% bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid. Efficient separation via complete extraction of the rare earths was obtained at a pH of approximately 2.5 while leaving nickel and cobalt in the raffinate. A shrinking particle model which can enable, under certain conditions, evaluation of the extent of metal dissolution present in nickel–metal hydride batteries was developed. A proposed electrochemical recovery of nickel and cobalt is also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Recycling of nickel–metal hydride batteries. II: Electrochemical deposition of cobalt and nickel
Authors: Tzanetakis N , Scott K
Published: July 2004

A combination of hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes has been developed for the separation and recovery of nickel and cobalt from cylindrical nickel–metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Leaching tests revealed that a 4 mol dm−3 hydrochloric acid solution at 95 °C was suitable to dissolve all metals from the battery after 3 h dissolution. The rare earths were separated from the leaching solution by solvent extraction with 25% bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in kerosene. The nickel and cobalt present in the aqueous phase were subjected to electrowinning. Galvanostatic tests on simulated aqueous solutions investigated the effect of current density, pH, and temperature with regard to current efficiency and deposit composition and morphology. The results indicated that achieving an NiCo composition with desirable properties was possible by varying the applied current density. Preferential cobalt deposition was observed at low current densities. Galvanostatic tests using solutions obtained from treatment of batteries revealed that the aqueous chloride phase, obtained from the extraction, was suitable for recovery of nickel and cobalt through simultaneous electrodeposition. Scanning electron micrography and X‐ray diffraction analysis gave detailed information of the morphology and the crystallographic orientation of the obtained deposits. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Regeneration of a spent photographic fixer solution
Authors: Ragauskas Romas , Matulionytė Jurgita , Vengris Tomas , Padarauskas Audrius
Published: July 2004

An attempt to regenerate an exhausted photographic fixer solution, removing the surplus silver and bromide ions has been made. The ions were removed by electrolysis in a cell containing separate anionic and cationic compartments using ion exchange membranes. Four types of anion exchange membranes in two‐ and three‐compartment cells were used: AMX, ACS (Neosepta, Japan), AMI‐7001 (Ultrex™, USA), and MA‐40 (PO Stchekino, Russia). Silver deposition occurred at the titanium rotating cylinder cathode and the deposits were compact and bright. The residual silver ion concentration after electrolysis was 0.012–0.014 mol dm−3. Of the four membranes tested the ACS membrane was the most selective for removal of bromide ions. The current efficiency of bromide ion migration through the ACS membrane was approximately two to five times greater than that achieved with AMX, AMI‐7001 and MA‐40 membranes. After five regeneration cycles the fixer's working quality did not noticeably deteriorate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Determining suitability of a fly ash for silica extraction and zeolite synthesis
Authors: Moreno Natàlia , Querol Xavier , López‐Soler Angel , Manuel Andres José , Janssen Maria , Nugteren Henk , Towler Mark , Stanton Kenneth
Published: July 2004

Zeolitic material is obtained from fly ash both by direct conversion of the ash or from SiO2 extracts obtained from fly ash. This study focuses on determining the suitability of a fly ash for SiO2 extraction and for zeolite synthesis by direct conversion. The SiO2 extraction experiments from different fly ashes show that the main parameters governing the SiO2 extraction are: (a) a high bulk SiO2 content (>52%, for obtaining an extraction yield of 100 g SiO2 kg−1) in the starting fly ash, (b) a high proportion (>55%) of the bulk SiO2 present in the degradable glass matrix and the highly soluble opaline fraction, and (c) a high bulk SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (>2.0) of the fly ash. The results from experiments of zeolite synthesis by direct conversion demonstrate that the most important criteria for the selection of a fly ash for this process are: (a) a high content of Al2O3 and SiO2(>65%) (b) a high glass content (>63%) and (c) relatively low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (<2.0). Multivariate analysis confirms the importance of the above‐mentioned variables and shows some additional variables that have influence on ash behaviour under alkaline conditions. It quantifies the use of those variables for determining the suitability of ashes for SiO2 extraction and zeolite synthesis and is able to distinguish between the two. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Dissolving pulp from TCF bleached Acetosolv beech pulp
Authors: Vila Carlos , Santos Valentín , Parajó Juan Carlos
Published: July 2004

Beech wood samples subjected to pulping in HCl‐catalysed acetic acid media (Acetosolv process) under selected conditions were bleached using several Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) sequences including peracetic acid (Paa), alkaline (E), oxygen (O), chelating (Q) and peroxide (P) treatments. PaaEQPP sequences starting from acetic acid media led to pulps with poor brightness, which was improved when the same sequence was carried out starting from aqueous media. An EOQPP sequence led to a pulp with acceptable properties, which were improved by a optimised EOQPaaP sequence, in which a fully bleached pulp was obtained at a SCAN viscosity of 604 cm3 g−1. EOQPaaP‐bleached pulp was explored for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) manufacture employing heterogeneous conditions in isopropanol media, and a CMC with a degree of substitution of 1.16 was obtained. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of pathological events at the onset of brain damage in stroke‐prone rats: A proteomics and magnetic resonance imaging approach
Authors: Sironi Luigi , Guerrini Uliano , Tremoli Elena , Miller Ingrid , Gelosa Paolo , Lascialfari Alessandro , Zucca Ileana , Eberini Ivano , Gemeiner Manfred , Paoletti Rodolfo , Gianazza Elisabetta
Published: July 2004

Spontaneously hypertensive stroke‐prone rats (SHRSP) develop brain abnormalities invariably preceded by the accumulation of acute‐phase proteins in body fluids. This study describes the sequence of pathological events, and in particular the involvement of inflammation, at the onset of brain injury in this animal model. In SHRSP subjected to permissive dietary treatment, the appearance of brain damage and of altered permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was monitored over time by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after intravenous injection of gadolinium. The protein content in cerebrospinal fluid and brain extracts was analyzed by two‐dimensional electrophoresis. Gadolinium diffusion showed impairment of the BBB after 42 ± 3 days from the start of salt loading, simultaneously with the detection of brain abnormalities by MRI. Tissue lesions were initially localized at one or more small foci and then spread throughout the brain in the form of fibrinoid necrosis. This type of lesion is characterized by fibrin deposition, in particular around the vessels; loss of tissue texture; and infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes. High levels of plasma‐derived proteins of molecular mass up to >130 kDa were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid after MRI had revealed brain abnormalities. Plasma proteins extravasated from brain vessels were immunodetected in tissue homogenates from affected areas. The results obtained in this study provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the spontaneous brain damage in SHRSP and in particular on the involvement of the inflammatory cascade. These studies may be useful in evaluating new pharmacological strategies aimed at preventing/treating brain diseases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Significance of detecting epstein-barr-specific sequences in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Krieger Nancy R. , Martinez Olivia M. , Krams Sheri M. , Cox Kenneth , So Samuel , Esquivel Carlos O.
Published: July 2004

Pediatric allograft recipients are at increased risk for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated illnesses. The early identification and diagnosis of EBV-associated disorders is critical because disease progression can often be curtailed by modification of immunosuppression. We have previously shown that detection of EBV-specific sequences in the circulation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) correlated well with the clinical symptoms of EBV infection. The purpose of the current study is to determine the significance of detecting EBV-specific sequences by PCR in asymptomatic pediatric liver transplant recipients. Peripheral-blood DNA was analyzed for the EBV genes, coding from the nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) and the viral capsid antigen (gp220) by PCR. Samples from asymptomatic pediatric liver transplant recipients were analyzed from the immediate postoperative period and at 2- to 4-month intervals thereafter. We followed up 13 of these asymptomatic recipients who tested positive for EBV compared with 7 asymptomatic recipients who tested negative for EBV during the early posttransplantation period. Follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 4 years posttransplantation. Nine patients (69%) initially positive for EBV and asymptomatic ultimately developed symptoms of EBV infection, including fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and/or hepatitis. Five of these patients (56%) went on to develop posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder based on histological examination of biopsied tissue and immunohistochemical identification of the EBV antigen/DNA in tissue. This is the first report suggesting that detection of EBV-specific sequences in the absence of symptoms may herald impending EBV-associated disorders. Thus, routine monitoring for circulating EBV sequences in asymptomatic recipients may be useful in the early identification of those at risk for developing EBV-associated disease and its ultimate prevention.

(Liver Transpl 2000;6:62-66.)
Partial left lateral segment transplant from a living donor
Authors: de Santibañes Eduardo , McCormack Lucas , Mattera Juan , Pekolj Juan , Sívori Jorge , Beskow Axel , D’Agostino Daniel , Ciardullo Miguel
Published: July 2004

A shortage of liver donors for low-weight transplant recipients has prompted the development of procedures for liver-reduction, split-liver, and living related donor transplantations. For pediatric recipients weighing less than 10 kg, the left lateral segment is often still too large. We describe the procedure of monosegmental transplantation using segment II after segment III was resected in situ from a living related donor. Successful monosegmental transplantation is technically feasible and is a valid alternative to be considered for cases of size discrepancy between the recipient’s volume and the donor’s left lateral segment.
Animal models of fulminant hepatic failure: A critical evaluation
Authors: Newsome Philip Noel , Plevris John Nicholas , Nelson Leonard Joseph , Hayes Peter Clive
Published: July 2004

Few conditions in medicine are more dramatic or more devastating than acute liver failure. Our understanding and treatment of this condition have been limited by the lack of satisfactory animal models. The most widely used models consist of surgical anhepatic and devascularization procedures and hepatotoxins, such as galactosamine and acetaminophen. Potential disadvantages with surgical models are their inability to recreate the inflammatory milieu that exists in acute liver failure and their reliance on surgical expertise. Models using hepatotoxins are free of such constraints. Galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity is more predictable than acetaminophen, but its cost and lack of a human equivalent clinical syndrome has restricted its use. Acetaminophen-based models offer the greatest potential but have proven the most difficult to develop because of difficulties with reproducibility and refractory anemia. Although progress has been made, research must continue in this area to establish an animal model with minimal disadvantages that would accurately reflect the clinical syndrome seen in humans.
Hepatocyte transplantation in acute liver failure
Authors: Bilir Bahri M. , Guinette Denis , Karrer Fritz , Kumpe David A. , Krysl Joe , Stephens Janet , McGavran Loris , Ostrowska Alina , Durham Janette
Published: July 2004

The majority of patients with acute liver failure (ALF) die waiting for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). No other treatment modality is shown to improve survival. This study was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of hepatocyte transplantation (HT) and subsequent engraftment and function of donor cells. Functional and structural integrity of cryopreserved and thawed human hepatocytes were assessed by their morphological characteristics, induction of P-4501A1 transcription, and survival in vivo by xenotransplantation into rats. Five patients with severe ALF underwent intrasplenic (4 patients) and/or intrahepatic (2 patients) HT through angiography under cyclosporine immunosuppression. All patients had grade III to IV encephalopathy and factor V levels less than 0.5 U/mL, were ventilator and dialysis dependent, and were not OLT candidates. Three of the 5 patients who survived 48 hours after HT had substantial improvement in encephalopathy scores, arterial ammonia levels, and prothrombin times. Clinical improvement was paralleled by an increase in aminopyrine and caffeine clearances. All 3 patients lived substantially longer than expected based on clinical experience after HT (12, 28, and 52 days) but eventually died. Postmortem examination showed the presence of transplanted hepatocytes in liver and spleen by light microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Cryopreserved and thawed human hepatocytes can be transplanted into recipients with ALF with some acceptable but definite complications. Engraftment of donor hepatocytes was proven by histological examination and FISH by both transjugular biopsy and at autopsy. Improvement in brain edema, encephalopathy grade, and clearance of antipyrine and caffeine suggested function, albeit with a 24- to 72-hour delay posttransplantation.

(Liver Transpl 2000;6:32-40.)
Right lobe living donor liver transplantation: A review
Authors: Marcos Amadeo
Published: July 2004

The continuing shortage of organs for adult transplant recipients has generated enthusiasm for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The major concern has been the ability to resect a graft of adequate size without subjecting the donor to undue risk. The right hepatic lobe is generally large enough for adult recipients, but because of the real and perceived risks of right lobe (RL) resection, surgeons have been hesitant to offer this option to their patients. The first series of RL resections that included a significant number of patients was reported in 1999, and the results were encouraging. Only minor complications occurred in donors, and the recipients fared quite well. Enthusiasm for these donor resections is growing, and more centers are beginning to perform them. There is a good deal of global experience with pediatric LDLT but little with adults, and there are unique considerations in this population. This review examines donor selection criteria for adult recipients, highlights technical points critical for good outcome, and examines the early results and complications in both donors and recipients. If the preliminary results continue to be reproduced, RL LDLT could have significant impact on the worsening organ shortage.

(Liver Transpl 2000;6:3-20.)
Hydrophilic bile salts protect bile duct epithelium during cold preservation: A scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Hertl Martin , Hertl Catherine M. , Kluth Dietrich , Broelsch Christoph E.
Published: July 2004

Prolonged graft preservation is associated with postoperative bile duct strictures after liver transplantation. We previously showed that hydrophilic bile salts mitigate bile duct preservation injury in a pig model. Because this injury occurs at the epithelial level, scanning electron microscopy was performed to further characterize this effect in vitro. Swine livers were harvested after the intravenous infusion of 1 of 3 solutions: saline (n = 7), tauroursodeoxycholate ([TUDC] hydrophilic; n = 4), or taurodeoxycholate ([TDC] hydrophobic; n = 4). Livers were perfused with University of Wisconsin solution. The bile ducts were flushed retrograde, and the liver was stored at 0°C to 1°C for 20 hours. Bile duct samples were obtained at the time of harvest and 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours thereafter. In saline-infused controls at time 0, the epithelium was intact and composed of uniform cuboidal cells covered with fine regular microvilli. There were no spaces between individual cells. After 8 to 12 hours of preservation, cells were more irregular in shape, with loss of cell-cell contact. The cell surfaces showed fewer microvilli. Surface erosions suggested loss of cell-wall integrity. TUDC was protective, evidenced by normal-appearing cells with uniform microvilli after 16 hours. In contrast, TDC accelerated the injury process, causing cell-surface erosions, blebs, and loss of microvilli as early as time 0. Scanning electron microscopy is an excellent tool to study injury to bile duct epithelium. This study supports the hypothesis that hydrophilic bile salts protect bile ducts during preservation. To determine whether treatment with hydrophilic bile salts can prevent postoperative stricture, in vivo transplantation studies are needed.
Liver transplantation complicated by embedded transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: A new method for portal anastomosis—a surgical salvage procedure
Authors: Hutchins Robert R. , Patch David , Tibballs Jonathan , Burroughs Andrew , Davidson Brian R.
Published: July 2004

A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an increasingly used method of treating variceal bleeding from portal hypertension. Many patients are subsequently listed for transplantation, which may be complicated by malposition of the inferior end of the TIPS stent. This report details such a case and offers a surgical technique to salvage this situation.
Cytokine profile of liver- and blood-derived nonspecific T cells after liver transplantation: T helper cells type 1/0 lymphokines dominate in recurrent hepatitis C virus infection and rejection
Authors: Schirren C. A. , Jung M.-C. , Worzfeld T. , Mamin M. , Baretton G. B. , Gruener N. H. , Gerlach J. T. , Diepolder H. M. , Zachoval R. , Pape G. R.
Published: July 2004

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a successful treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated end-stage liver disease worldwide. T lymphocytes and their cytokines are believed to have a pivotal role in the defense against HCV and in allograft rejection. An immunosuppressive drug regimen may cause a cytokine imbalance toward a T helper (TH) cell type 2 profile that is associated with the persistence of infection and acceptance of the graft. The aim of this study is to assess whether cytokine imbalances toward a TH1- or TH2-type response may have a role in recurrent HCV infection and rejection after OLT. Twenty-one intrahepatic T-cell lines of 15 patients with recurrent HCV infection after OLT (group A) and 15 lines of 11 patients with rejection (group B) were studied. Both patient groups had received liver allografts because of HCV-associated end-stage liver disease. Patients with HCV-induced liver disease who did not undergo OLT served as controls: 17 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) and 8 patients with cirrhosis. At the time of liver biopsy, 14 blood-derived T-cell lines of 12 patients with recurrent HCV infection, 7 of 10 patients with rejection, and 18 of 18 control patients were also investigated. Regardless of the underlying disease (recurrent HCV infection, rejection, HCV-induced hepatitis, and cirrhosis), all liver tissue-derived T-cell lines produced interferon-γ; some additionally produced interleukin-4 (IL-4), but none produced IL-10, indicating that the TH0/1 cytokine profile dominates. T-cell lines showing a TH1 cytokine profile derived from intrahepatic T cells could be established significantly more often in recurrent HCV infection and rejection than in controls with CH-C (Fisher’s exact test, P < .05). The cytokine profile of intrahepatic T cells did not differ from that obtained in peripheral blood. TH0/1 cytokine profile dominates the intrahepatic and blood-derived immune response in recurrent HCV infection and rejection after OLT regardless of the mode of immunosuppression. The lymphokine profile of immunocompromised patients with recurrent HCV infection or rejection does not differ principally from that of patients with HCV-induced hepatitis and cirrhosis, but seems to show a TH1 profile significantly more often.
Hepatitis A antibodies in liver transplant recipients: Evidence for loss of immunity posttransplantation
Authors: Arslan Mehmet , Wiesner Russell H. , Poterucha John J. , Gross John B. , Zein Nizar N.
Published: July 2004

Liver transplant recipients frequently have chronic liver diseases and should be considered for vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV). However, persistence of protective antibodies after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has not been shown in this population, which may have implications for future vaccine recommendations. We evaluated the prevalence and epidemiological significance of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to HAV (anti-HAV) in a nonvaccinated population before OLT (immunity from previous exposure) and determined the persistence of IgG anti-HAV at 1 and 2 years after OLT. One hundred consecutive patients were identified who underwent OLT and had at least 2 years of follow-up post-OLT. They were not vaccinated against HAV infection at any time. Clinical data were summarized from medical records, and stored sera were tested for IgG anti-HAV before OLT and at 1 and 2 years after OLT by a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. Of 100 patients, 24 had IgG anti-HAV before OLT. No epidemiological differences were noted between those with or without detectable IgG anti-HAV before OLT. Among patients with detectable IgG anti-HAV before OLT, 4 of 22 patients (18%) and 7 of 24 patients (29%) became negative for IgG anti-HAV at 1 and 2 years post-OLT, respectively. None of the patients with undetectable IgG anti-HAV before OLT became positive at any time. Most of our patients with end-stage liver disease had no serological evidence for immunity against HAV. A significant proportion of patients with detectable protective antibodies before OLT lost their antibodies at 2 years after OLT.
Acute liver failure: Clinical features, outcome analysis, and applicability of prognostic criteria
Authors: Shakil Obaid A. , Kramer David , Mazariegos George V. , Fung John J. , Rakela Jorge
Published: July 2004

Acute liver failure(ALF)is an uncommon condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients evaluated for ALF. The aim of our study is to determine the clinical features and outcome of such patients and to assess the validity of King’s College Hospital (KCH) prognostic criteria. One hundred seventy-seven patients were evaluated for ALF during a period of 13 years. Mean age was 39 years, and 63% were women. The causes included viral hepatitis (31%), acetaminophen toxicity (19%), idiosyncratic drug reactions (12%), miscellaneous causes (11%), and an indeterminate group (28%). Twenty-five patients (14%) recovered with medical therapy (group I), 65 patients (37%) died without orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT; group II), and 87 patients (49%) underwent OLT (group III). Patients in group II were older and often had advanced encephalopathy, whereas those in group I had less hyperbilirubinemia and often had hyperacute failure. KCH criteria had high specificity and positive predictive value but low negative predictive value for a poor outcome. We conclude that early prognostication is needed in patients with ALF to assist decision making regarding OLT. The fulfillment of KCH criteria usually predicts a poor outcome, but a lack of fulfillment does not predict survival.
Maternal hemodynamics and pregnancy outcome in women with prior orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Carr Darcy B. , Larson Anne M. , Schmucker Barbara C. , Brateng Debra A. , Carithers Robert L. , Easterling Thomas R.
Published: July 2004

The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamics and pregnancy outcome of women with prior orthotopic liver transplantation. Hemodynamic measurements by Doppler technique were performed on pregnant subjects with prior orthotopic liver transplantation. Maternal characteristics, renal function, pregnancy complications, delivery indications, delivery mode, and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Six pregnancies occurred in 5 women after orthotopic liver transplantation at the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle, WA) between 1991 and 1999. Four of the 6 pregnancies were complicated by chronic hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery. Two pregnancies had worsening hypertension characterized by vasoconstriction in the second trimester despite antihypertensive therapy. These 2 subjects were administered cyclosporine for maintenance immunosuppression and had greater mean arterial pressures preconception and in the first trimester than the other subjects. One of these pregnancies resulted in fetal demise at 25 weeks’ gestation. The other subject was delivered at 28 weeks’ gestation for nonreassuring fetal status and superimposed preeclampsia. All pregnancies were complicated by renal insufficiency; however, the 2 subjects with poor obstetric outcome had preconception serum creatinine levels greater than 1.5 mg/dL and creatinine clearances less than 40 mL/min. Pregnancies complicated by second-trimester vasoconstriction and moderate renal insufficiency are at risk for preeclamspia, fetal growth restriction, and fetal demise. Good obstetric outcome can occur in women with mild renal insufficiency and well-controlled chronic hypertension. Improved hypertensive control preconception may decrease the risk for preeclampsia and poor obstetric outcome.
Study on an optical filter constituted by concatenated Hi‐Bi fiber loop mirrors
Authors: Liu Lihui , Zhao Qida , Zhou Guang , Zhang Hao , Chen Shaohua , Zhao Luming , Yao Ying , Guo Peng , Dong Xiaoyi
Published: July 2004

In this paper, for the first time (to our knowledge) the characteristics of a filter based on cascaded high‐birefringence fiber (HBF) loop mirrors are described. The characteristics of the filter are analyzed theoretically and an expression of the output intensity is given. The experimental results conform well with our theory. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 23–26, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20363
Trade‐off between single and double pass amplification schemes of 1480‐nm pumped EDFA
Authors: Naji A. W. , Abidin M. S. Z. , Kassir A. M. , Al‐Mansoori M. H. , Abdullah M. K. , Mahdi M. A.
Published: July 2004

A practical comparative analysis of single‐pass and double‐pass amplification schemes of 1480‐nm pumped Er3+‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is presented in this paper. This comparison is carried out with an input signal from 0 dBm to −40 dBm at 140‐mW pump power. The critical input power of −25 dBm is obtained in order to determine the optimized performance between single‐pass and double‐pass amplifiers. The double‐pass EDFA gives a better performance for small signal powers of less than −25 dBm, while the single‐pass EDFA performs better for higher signal powers of greater than −25 dBm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 38–40, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20368
A transition for hybrid integration of suspended stripline and nonradiative dielectric guide
Authors: Pathak Nagendra P. , Koul Shiban K. , Basu Ananjan
Published: July 2004

A new transition from suspended stripline (SSL) to nonradiative dielectric (NRD) guide at the Ka‐band is reported. The transition uses a stepped‐impedance probe in close proximity to the NRD guide strip. The performance of the transition as a function of various structural parameters is studied in detail. Extensive simulations and experiments are carried out to optimize the performance of the transition. The fabricated back‐to‐back transition with 69 mm of NRD guide in between shows an insertion loss of <1.2 dB over the 2‐GHz bandwidth. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 79–82, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20380
Erratum: Resonance characteristics of whispering gallery modes in parallel‐plates‐type cylindrical dielectric resonators
Authors: Akay M. Fatih , Prokopenko Yuriy , Kharkovsky Sergey
Published: July 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Microwave Opt Technol Lett (2004) 40(2) 96–101

Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20384
Model for large strain consolidation with compressible pore fluid
Authors: Fox Patrick J. , Qiu Tong
Published: July 2004

A numerical model, called CCPF1 (Consolidation with Compressible Pore Fluid 1), is presented for one‐dimensional large strain consolidation of a saturated porous medium with compressible pore fluid. The algorithm includes all the capabilities of a previous large strain consolidation code, CS2, written for incompressible pore fluid. In addition, fluid density and fluid viscosity are functions of fluid pressure in CCPF1. Generalization of the numerical approach to accommodate these functions requires several modifications to the CS2 method, including phase relationships, intrinsic permeability, pore pressure, fluid potential, and mass flux. Inertial forces are neglected and isothermal conditions are assumed. The development of CCPF1 is first presented, followed by an example that illustrates the effects of pore fluid compressibility on the mechanics of consolidation of saturated porous media. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Warranty costs: An age‐dependent failure/repair model
Authors: Dimitrov Boyan , Chukova Stefanka , Khalil Zohel
Published: July 2004

An age‐dependent repair model is proposed. The notion of the “calendar age” of the product and the degree of repair are used to define the virtual age of the product. The virtual failure rate function and the virtual hazard function related to the lifetime of the product are discussed. Under a nonhomogeneous Poisson process scenario the expected warranty costs for repairable products associated with linear pro‐rata, nonrenewing free replacement and renewing free replacement warranties are evaluated. Illustration of the results is given by numerical and graphical examples. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004.
Critical signaling events during the aminoglycoside‐induced death of sensory hair cells in vitro
Authors: Matsui Jonathan I. , Gale Jonathan E. , Warchol Mark E.
Published: July 2004

Sensory hair cells undergo apoptosis following exposure to aminoglycoside antibiotics. In neurons, apoptosis is associated with a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+, phosphorylation of the transcription factor c‐Jun, and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, which along with other cofactors results in the activation of caspases. To examine the possible role of these events in the survival and death of the sensory receptors of the inner ear, we examined the effects of neomycin treatment on cytoplasmic calcium, activation of c‐Jun‐N‐Terminal kinases (JNKs), cytochrome c release, and caspase‐3 activation in cultured vestibular hair cells. Increased numbers of phospho‐c‐Jun‐labeled hair cells (a downstream indicator of JNK activation) were observed at 3–12 h after neomycin treatment, whereas increased numbers of cells with cytoplasmic cytochrome c were observed at 12–18 h following the onset of neomycin treatment. This was followed by an increase in the number of cells that contained activated caspase‐3 and displayed pyknotic nuclei. Treatment with the general caspase inhibitor BAF did not affect the release of cytochrome c and the number of p‐c‐Jun–labeled cells, but reduced the number of cells with activated caspase‐3 and pyknotic nuclei. In contrast, treatment with CEP‐11004, an indirect inhibitor of the JNK signaling pathway, promoted hair cell survival following neomycin treatment and reduced the number of cells with phosphorylated JNK and c‐Jun, cytoplasmic cytochrome c, and activated caspase 3. These results suggest that JNK activation occurs upstream of the release of cytochrome c and that cytochrome c release precedes caspase activation. Cytochrome c release and JNK activation were also preceded by large changes in cytoplasmic calcium. Cytoplasmic calcium increases may be causally related to the release of cytochrome c, and may also be a potential pathway for activation of JNK in hair cells. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto poly(vinyl alcohol) initiated by potassium diperiodatoargentate(III)
Authors: Liu Yinghai , Liu Xiaohui , Liu Yuanwei , Zhang Jinsong , Deng Kuilin , Liu Zhanjun
Published: July 2004

The graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using potassium diperiodatoargentate(III) [Ag(III)]–PVA redox system as initiator was studied in an alkaline medium. Some structural features and properties of the graft copolymer were confirmed by Fourier‐transfer infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The grafting parameters were determined as a function of concentrations of monomer, initiator, macromolecular backbone (X̄n = 1750, M̄ = 80 000 g mol−1), reaction temperature and reaction time. A mechanism based on two single‐electron transfer steps is proposed to explain the formation of radicals and the initiation profile. Other acrylate monomers, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate and n‐butyl acrylate, were also used to produce graft copolymerizations. It has been confirmed that grafting occurred to some degree. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed in a study of the moisture resistance of the graft copolymer. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and reactions of the peroxy radicals of glycine and alanine in peptides: an ab initio study
Authors: Huang Mei Lan , Rauk Arvi
Published: July 2004

Ab initio calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) and CBS‐RAD level were carried out to investigate the reaction of αC‐centered peroxy radicals of neutral, non‐zwitterionic glycine and alanine (AH), and as residues in model peptides, N‐formylglycinamide and N‐formylalaninamide (PH). Bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) were calculated for the αC—O (D), O—O (DOO) and O—H (DOH) bonds of glycine and alanine peroxy radicals (AOO, POO) and hydroperoxides (AOOH, POOH). The predicted BDEs at 298 K, in kJ mol−1 are AOO(Gly), D = 70; AOO(Ala), D = 69; POO(Gly), D = 89; POO(Ala), D = 86; AOOH(Gly), D = 237, DOO = 203, DOH = 371; AOOH(Ala), D = 234, DOO = 195, DOH = 368; POOH(Gly), D = 266, DOO = 207, DOH = 380; POOH(Ala), D = 264, DOO = 208, DOH=383. Values of BDE of the peptides in β‐sheet peptide conformations were also estimated by constraining the Ramachandran dihedral angles, Φ and Ψ to, values of −150° and +150°: (S)‐POO(Gly), D = 99; (R)‐POO(Gly), D = 78; (S)‐POO(Ala), D = 88; (R)‐POO(Ala), D = 83; (S)‐POOH(Gly), D = 258, DOO = 195, DOH = 362; (R)‐POOH(Gly), D = 278, DOO = 217, DOH = 404; (S)‐ POOH(Ala), D = 240, DOO = 192, DOH = 355; (R)‐POOH(Ala), D = 270, DOO = 204, DOH = 390. The reactions of αC‐peroxy radicals, POO, and αC‐alkoxy radicals, PO, were studied in detail. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion, evaporation, and surface enrichment of a plasticizing additive in an annealed polymer thin film
Authors: Smith Gregory S. , Skidmore Cary B. , Howe Philip M. , Majewski Jaroslaw
Published: July 2004

We present the first measurements of the simultaneous diffusion, surface enhancement, and evaporation of a plasticizer from a polymer, thin‐film matrix using neutron reflection techniques. The reflectivity profiles as a function of the annealing time at an elevated temperature yield the time‐dependent, plasticizer volume fraction profiles in a polyester–polyurethane (Estane) film. Thin, plasticizer‐enriched layers form at both the polymer/substrate and polymer/air interfaces for annealed and unannealed samples. The diffusion equations for a material diffusing through a film and then evaporating into a vacuum at the free surface describe the loss of the plasticizer from the film for annealed samples. The loss of the plasticizer from the film is not limited by the movement of the plasticizer through the polymer matrix but is dominated by the plasticizer's rate of evaporation from the surface. The rate of evaporation and the volume fraction profiles for the plasticizer at the substrate interface are both consistent with surface attractions dominating over bulk attractions between the miscible plasticizer and the polymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3258–3266, 2004