bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral candidiasis prevention in transplantation patients: a comparative study
Authors: Elad Sharon , Wexler Alon , Garfunkel Adi A. , Shapira Michael Y. , Bitan Menachem , Or Reuven
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Aim:  Oral candidiasis occurs commonly in haematopoietic –stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients carrying a risk of systemic candidemia and mortality. The aim of this pilot study was to design an effective protocol that prevents oral candidiasis and improves tolerability.

Methods:  A prospective, randomized, longitudinal study with two treatment groups, (A) chlorhexidine (CHX) and (B) CHX combined with medium‐dose amphotericin B (AMB), was performed. The investigators were blinded to the treatment arm.

Results:  No clinical signs of oral candidiasis were observed in any of the 20 patients. All patients experienced neutropenia and were treated with antibiotics. The duration of antibiotic treatment was longer in group A than that in group B. The difference in systemic anti‐fungal treatment was insignificant. Compliance was achieved in both groups, although tolerability was better in group A than that in group B.

Conclusion:  Effective oral anti‐fungal prevention based on topical AMB was suggested. CHX mouthwash was also suggested to be effective as a single topical agent for the prevention of oral candidiasis in HSCT patients. The combination of topical CHX and medium‐dose AMB‐prophylactic protocol may achieve the same level of candidial prevention with better tolerability than that by AMB alone. More research is warranted.
Weight loss effect of dietary diacylglycerol in obese dogs
Authors: Umeda T. , Bauer J. E. , Otsuji K.
Published: March 2006

Obesity in dogs and cats have been increasingly recognized in recent years. Because obesity underlies various diseases, pet owners and veterinarians have an important responsibility to help animals lose weight and maintain their health. Diet therapy, however, is typically based on limited calorie intake and animals may suffer stress from hunger and this is also a concern to animal owners. For this reason, many clients drop out of weight control programmes. In the present study, we focused on dietary diacylglycerol (DAG) as a potentially effective ingredient for canine weight control without caloric restriction. We replaced a portion of the fat in dog food with either DAG or triacylglycerol (TAG), referred to as DAG or TAG diets here, and fed overweight beagle dogs (body condition score of 4 or higher) with either the DAG or TAG diet for a 6‐week period. Results indicated that, even though the food composition other than fat type were identical, dogs fed the DAG diet showed a statistically significant reduction in body weight averaging a 2.3% reduction within 6 weeks while the TAG‐fed dogs maintained their obese body weights. In addition, the DAG group also showed a reduction in body fat content, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations. These results suggest the possibility of developing a pet food using DAG to control weight and serum lipid levels without compromising caloric intake.
Effects of probiotic bacteria in dogs with food responsive diarrhoea treated with an elimination diet*
Authors: Sauter S. N. , Benyacoub J. , Allenspach K. , Gaschen F. , Ontsouka E. , Reuteler G. , Cavadini C. , Knorr R. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated whether a probiotic supplementation in dogs with food responsive diarrhoea (FRD) has beneficial effects on intestinal cytokine patterns and on microbiota. Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with FRD were presented for clinically needed duodeno‐ and colonoscopy and were enrolled in a prospective placebo (PL)‐controlled probiotic trial. Intestinal tissue samples and faeces were collected during endoscopy. Intestinal mRNA abundance of interleukin (IL)‐5, ‐10, ‐12p40 and ‐13, tumour necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β1 and interferon (IFN)‐γ were analysed and numbers of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae and supplemented probiotic bacteria were determined in faeces. The Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index, a scoring system comprising general attitude, appetite, faecal consistency, defecation frequency, and vomitus, decreased in all dogs (p < 0.0001). Duodenal IL‐10 mRNA levels decreased (p = 0.1) and colonic IFN‐γ mRNA levels increased (p = 0.08) after probiotic treatment. Numbers of Enterobacteriaceae decreased in FRD dogs receiving probiotic cocktail (FRDPC) and FRD dogs fed PL (FRDPL) during treatment (p < 0.05), numbers of Lactobacillus spp. increased in FRDPC after when compared with FRDPC before (p < 0.1). One strain of PC was detected in five of eight FRDPC dogs after probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, all dogs clinically improved after treatment, but cytokine patterns were not associated with the clinical features irrespective of the dietary supplementation.
Digestion studies in captive Hippopotamidae: a group of large ungulates with an unusually low metabolic rate
Authors: Schwarm A. , Ortmann S. , Hofer H. , Streich W. J. , Flach E. J. , Kühne R. , Hummel J. , Castell J. C. , Clauss M.
Published: March 2006

We performed intake and digestibility studies in four common (Hippopotamus amphibius) and four pygmy (Hexaprotodon liberiensis) hippos from two zoological institutions, using acid detergent lignin as an internal marker for the quantification of faecal output. In the case of one pygmy hippo, where total faecal collection was also possible, there was no distinct difference between the two methods of faecal output quantification. Two animals from each species were tested on a conventional zoo diet of hay and concentrates (diet HC) and on hay only (diet H). The other two animals received fresh grass at two different levels of intake (diets G1 and G2). Dry matter (DM) intake was higher on HC than on H or G diets, and averaged 37 ± 11 for common and 35 ± 14 g/kg0.75 for pygmy hippos. There were no species differences in the average digestibility (aD) coefficients. Non‐dietary faecal nitrogen averaged 65 ± 4% of total faecal nitrogen, aD of crude protein (CP) averaged 67 ± 9% and true protein digestibility 89 ± 3%. Average digestibility of DM and crude fibre averaged 54 ± 11% and 45 ± 17%, respectively. In comparison with ruminants, hippos generally achieve lower aD for DM, organic matter and fibre parameters, but equal or higher aD CP coefficients. This is most likely due to the absence of significant fermentative activity in the hindgut and the corresponding low metabolic faecal nitrogen losses. Digestible energy intake was higher on HC than on H or G diets and averaged 0.30 ± 0.11 MJ/kg0.75 metabolic body mass. This value is extremely low for ungulates, supporting earlier suspicions that hippos have particularly low metabolic rates, and explains the proneness of this species to obesity in captivity when fed energy‐dense pelleted feeds.
Dietary probiotic supplementation and resulting effects on performance, health status, and microbial characteristics of primiparous sows
Authors: Böhmer B. M. , Kramer W. , Roth‐Maier D. A.
Published: March 2006

In an experiment with 33 first‐litter sows from day 90 of pregnancy to day 28 of lactation, the influence of a probiotic supplementation on weight performance, feed intake, litter sizes, litter weights, health status and microbiological profile was tested. Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 was supplemented in a concentration of 5 × 108 CFU/kg feed to the gestation and lactation diets of gilts. The supplemented sows showed a significant higher improvement of feed intake (4.16 vs. 3.71 kg/day), litter size (9.2 vs. 7.7 piglets) and weight performance. The average live weight of the probiotic sows at day 28 of lactation was 11 kg higher than of the controls. The bacterial counts/g faeces (lactobacilli, Gram‐positive anaerobes, Gram‐negative anaerobes, Escherichia coli and enterococci) and the incidence of adhesive and haemolytic E. coli organisms revealed no significant differences between the sows of the two groups or their piglets. While the litter size cannot necessarily be assumed as a primary effect of the probiotic supplementation, the significantly better feed intake and weight performance might be partly due to the probiotic use and can prevent ‘starvation sterility’ of young sows after their first litter caused by reduced feed intake during lactation with high mobilization of body tissue accompanied with lack of energy.
Recovery of age‐dependent immunological deterioration in old mice by thyroxine treatment
Authors: El‐Shaikh K. A. , Gabry M. S. , Othman G. A.
Published: March 2006

On the basis that multiple interactions exist between thyroid hormones and immune system, and ageing is accompanied by changes in thyroid hormone secretion, it seems possible that thyroid hormones may be involved in the age‐related immune dysfunction. The present study was conducted to evaluate in vivo and in vitro effects of thyroxine (T4) treatment on both cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses of aged mice. In a trial to improve age‐associated immune dysfunction, T4 (0.2, 1.0 and 5.0 μg) was subcutaneously supplemented to BALB/c mice (over 18 months old) for 30 consecutive days. The present results showed that exogenous treatment of aged mice with T4 was associated with a marked increase in serum T4 level, and the total number of peripheral blood leukocytes as well as the total cellularity of thymus, spleen, peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and bone marrow (BM). T4 treatment also caused a significant increase in the total and differential numbers of peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), while it caused a slight increase in macrophages’ phagocytic activity of PEC. Moreover, T4 treatment elicited a statistically significant increase in both plaque‐forming cell and rosette‐forming cell responses. In vitro results showed that the addition of T4 at concentrations of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.025 μg/well substantially potentiated the ability of splenocytes from aged mice to proliferate in the presence of concanavalin‐A mitogen. Histological examination of thymuses from T4‐treated aged mice revealed that the cortex was preferentially enlarged and repopulated with immature thymocytes. The present study postulates that thyroid hormones may be involved in the observed decrease in the immune responsiveness during ageing, and that T4 treatment to aged mice is able to restore the age‐related decline of the immune efficiency.
Influence of diet type on the inclusion of plant origin active substances on morphological and histochemical characteristics of the stomach and jejunum walls in chicken
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wertelecki T. , Houszka M. , Kamel C.
Published: March 2006

Three hundred and thirty‐six 1‐day‐old male Hubbard HI‐Ye broiler hybrids, kept in battery cages, were fed with diets based on maize (groups I and II) or wheat and barley (groups III and IV) and supplemented with or without plant extract (XT* 100 mg/kg) containing 5% carvacrol, 3% cinnamaldehyde and 2% of capsicum oleoresin. The morphological and histochemical examinations were carried out on days 21 and 42 of bird's age. The middle part of glandular part of the stomach and 30 mm long segment from the central part of the small intestine (jejunum) were taken out and then prepared for morphometrical and histochemical assays. Mobilization of mucocytes in superficial epithelium of the glandular stomach and increased secretion of neutral mucopolysaccharides and small amounts of sialomucins with or without local cell disruption with releasing of large amounts of mucus were observed in both ‘grain’ groups of 21‐day‐old birds fed with extract. In some animals, particularly those fed mixtures with plant extract, the folds of the proventriculum mucosa were fused into large, unshaped structures. In groups fed with plant extract the mucus secretion intensity and accumulation inside cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa were slightly higher. Morphological changes on gastrointestinal mucosa observed in young chickens fed XT were reduced in older animals. The results of this study showed that the increased releasing of large amounts of mucus and the creation of a thick layer of mucus on glandular stomach and wall of jejunum in chickens fed diets with plant extract could suggest villi‐related protective properties of the use of the carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin mixture. This can explain the reduced possibility of adhesion to epithelium and number of Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringes and fungi in the intestinal content of bird fed with XT supplemented diet. In morphometrical parameters of depth of jejunum crypt and height of villi, the influence of kind of grain and extract supplementation was observed in 21‐day‐old chickens only. The significant interaction between higher jejunum wall villi layer was observed only in chickens fed on maize diet supplemented with plant extract.
Use of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis
Authors: Kulkarni Savita , Vyas Soumil , Supe Avinash , Kadival Gururaj
Published: March 2006

Background:  Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of abdominal tuberculosis is vitally important as it greatly reduces disease and treatment related morbidity and even mortality in extreme cases. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was evaluated for its feasibility as a diagnostic tool in abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in the Indian scenario.

Methods:  PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis amplified a 340 bp nucleotide sequence located within the 38 kDa protein gene of M. tuberculosis. Tissues for processing were obtained from patients suspected to have abdominal TB. These were from various sources such as abdominal lymph nodes, segments of intestine and bowel obtained at various times and in different ways such as laparoscopy, colectomy, bowel and lymph node resection. Fifty such patients had their tissues sent for PCR.

Results:  PCR results were compared with histopathology (HP). Of the 50 samples, 31 were positive for abdominal TB by HP whereas 30 were positive by PCR. Twenty‐four of these were positive for both HP and PCR while of the seven samples positive for HP, five were negative and two gave inhibition by PCR. Six samples negative by HP were positive by PCR.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that PCR can be used as an effective tool to diagnose abdominal TB.
Ulinastatin shows preventive effect on post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in a multicenter prospective randomized study
Authors: Fujishiro Hirofumi , Adachi Kyoichi , Imaoka Tomonori , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Kohge Naruaki , Moriyama Nobuyuki , Suetsugu Hiroshi , Kawashima Kousaku , Komazawa Yoshinori , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunji , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic procedure; however, ERCP occasionally causes post‐ERCP pancreatitis. The administration of gabexate mesilate has been reported to be effective for the prevention for post‐ERCP pancreatitis when given during and after the procedure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of the novel protease inhibitor ulinastatin on post‐ERCP pancreatitis.

Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐nine patients who underwent the ERCP procedure were studied. These patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the agent and dose given during and following the ERCP procedure: gabexate mesilate (900 mg), high‐dose ulinastatin (450 000 units) and low‐dose ulinastatin (150 000 units). Serum amylase, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 levels and plasma polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMN‐E) activity were measured after ERCP. In addition, post‐ERCP hyperamylasemia and post‐ERCP pancreatitis were recorded.

Results:  There were no significant differences in serum amylase, IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels and PMN‐E activity after ERCP procedure between the three groups. Post‐ERCP pancreatitis was observed in two (4.3%), three (6.5%) and four (8.5%) cases in the gabexate mesilate, high‐dose ulinastatin and low‐dose ulinastatin groups, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the addition of endoscopic sphincterotomy during the ERCP procedure was the only significant risk factor for the development of post‐ERCP hyperamylasemia and post‐ERCP pancreatitis (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the occurrence of post‐ERCP hyperamylasemia and post‐ERCP pancreatitis between the three groups receiving different preventative treatments.

Conclusion:  The administration of low‐ and high‐dose ulinastatin has similar effects to high‐dose gabexate in the prevention of post‐ERCP pancreatitis.
Radiation therapy alone for stage I (UICC T1N0M0) squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: Indications for surgery or combined chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Sakurai Hideyuki , Tamaki Yoshio , Nonaka Tetsuo , Yamakawa Michitaka , Saito Yoshihiro , Kitamoto Yoshizumi , Higuchi Keiko , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Nakano Takashi
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy and limitations of radiation therapy (RT) for superficial esophageal carcinoma, and to explore the indications for more aggressive therapy, such as combined chemo‐radiotherapy.

Methods:  Sixty‐eight patients with stage I (UICC T1N0M0) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated by definitive RT alone were analyzed. Brachytherapy was administered in 36 patients as a boost, and the prescribed doses were 10 Gy (5 Gy × 2 times) at a low dose rate (19 patients) and 9 Gy (3 Gy × 3 times) at a high dose rate (17 patients). Recurrence patterns and survival rates were assessed and the factors predisposing to recurrences after RT were statistically investigated by univariate analysis.

Results:  The 5‐year cause‐specific survival rate and the locoregional control rate were 79.9% and 82.1%, respectively. No case of recurrence or disease‐related death was observed in any of the patients with mucosal cancer. Among the cases with the cancer invading the submucosa, there were 12 cases with locoregional recurrence and two cases with distant metastases. In cases of submucosal esophageal cancer, the tumor length was the only statistically significant factor predicting locoregional control. The 5‐year locoregional control rate in cases with a short length of the tumor (≤5 cm) was 83.3%, whereas the corresponding rate in cases with the tumor measuring >5 cm in length was 57.8% (P = 0.036). Patients treated by additional brachytherapy exhibited better cause‐specific survival and locoregional control rates than those receiving external RT alone, however, the addition had no statistically significant influence on the outcome.

Conclusions:  RT was a successful treatment for stage I esophageal cancer, and the treatment outcome using RT was nearly comparable to that of surgery. However, it is suggested that chemo‐radiation should be considered in inoperable cases of submucosal cancer when the tumor is more than 5 cm in length.
Applicability of the IAIHG scoring system to the diagnosis of antimitochondrial/anti‐M2 seropositive variant form of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Farias Alberto Queiroz , Gonçalves Luciana Lofego , Bittencourt Paulo Lisboa , De Melo Evandro Sobroza , Abrantes‐Lemos Clarice Pires , Porta Gilda , Nakhle Maria Cristina , Carrilho Flair Jose , Cancado Eduardo Luiz Rachid
Published: March 2006

Background and Aims:  According to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria, circulating antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) do not support the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The aims of this study were to characterize a subset of patients with AIH who have AMA and antiM2 seropositivity, and to assess the applicability of the revised scoring system of the IAIHG in the diagnosis of this variant form of AIH.

Methods:  Eighteen patients with AMA‐AIH were enrolled and compared with 206 classical AIH and 85 primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) controls. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with sequence‐specific primers, and biopsies were blindly reevaluated.

Results:  The patients with AMA‐AIH were, on average, older than patients with classical AIH and had an hepatocellular pattern of elevated liver enzymes, hypergammaglobulinemia and lower levels of cholesterol, when compared with PBC controls. There were no histological signs of PBC or overlapping forms in any AMA‐AIH biopsies. The majority of patients with AMA‐AIH carried HLA antigens associated with classical AIH (DRB1*03, n = 5; DRB1*04, n = 7, and DRB1*13, n = 6). Pretreatment scores classified all AMA‐AIH patients with probable (n = 17) or improbable (n = 1) AIH. After treatment, only 28% of AMA‐AIH patients reached scores for definite diagnosis, compared with 90.1% of AIH‐1 and 96.4 AIH‐2. In the AMA‐AIH group, only patients who relapsed after immunosuppressive drug withdrawal could be classified with definite AIH.

Conclusions:  AMA‐AIH shares common features with classical AIH. The diagnosis of AMA‐AIH may be swayed by the IAIHG criteria, rendering questionable the applicability of the revised scoring system to this variant form of AIH.
Retrospective analysis of 515 cases of Crohn’s disease hospitalization in China: Nationwide study from 1990 to 2003
Authors:   APDW2004 Chinese IBD Working Group
Published: March 2006

Background:  The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the status of Crohn’s disease hospitalization in China.

Methods:  Medical records of hospitalized Crohn’s disease came from 22 medical centers across China during 1990–2003 and were retrospectively reviewed. Every incident case was recorded in detail on a regular comprehensive datum form by investigators in person. Clinical manifestations, examinations and therapeutic status were analyzed.

Results:  A total of 515 cases of Crohn’s disease were found. The ratio of patients with Crohn’s disease to total hospitalized patients has increased steadily year by year. Endoscopy was performed in 348 patients (67.57%). Barium meal or enema was performed in 221 patients (42.91%). Histological examination (endoscopical or surgical biopsy) was performed in 340 patients (66.02%). Reasonable treatment strategies were used for 435 patients (84.47%). The evaluation of quality of life for 54/303 patients (17.82%) was poor.

Conclusions:  This retrospective, hospital‐based study shows that the number of patients with Crohn’s disease in China has steadily increased over a period of 14 years. Further population‐based epidemiological studies specifically focusing on risk factors are needed. The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and therapeutic strategy require improvement.
17β‐estradiol prevents cytotoxicity from hydrophobic bile acids in HepG2 and WRL‐68 cell cultures
Authors: Ricchi Matteo , Bertolotti Marco , Anzivino Claudia , Carulli Lucia , Canedi Irene , Bormioli Maria Luisa , Tiozzo Roberta , Croce Maria Antonietta , Lonardo Amedeo , Carulli Nicola , Loria Paola
Published: March 2006

Background:  Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest the possibility that estrogens might have a cytoprotective effect on the liver. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that 17β‐estradiol (E2) prevents hepatocellular damage induced by deoxycholic acid (DCA), a hydrophobic bile acid.

Methods:  HepG2 cells were exposed for 24 h to DCA (350 µmol/L). Cell viability, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity and apoptosis were measured as indices of cell toxicity. The effect of DCA was compared to that observed using either a hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA; 100 µmol/L), or E2 at different concentrations (1 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L and 50 µmol/L) or mixtures of E2/DCA or UDCA/DCA. The same experiments were performed using WRL‐68 cells that, at variance with HepG2, express a higher level of nuclear estrogen receptor.

Results:  High concentrations of E2 and UDCA prevented DCA‐induced decrease in cell viability, increase in enzyme activity and apoptosis evaluated both by 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and TdT‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assays. In addition, DCA‐related apoptosis, assessed by caspase activity, was also prevented by E2 (P < 0.01) in physiological (1–10 nmol/L) doses. The cytoprotective effects of E2 and UDCA was also observed in the WRL‐68 cell line.

Conclusions:  17β‐Estradiol prevents DCA‐induced cell damage in HepG2 and WRL‐68 cell lines to an extent comparable to UDCA. The hypothesis that the protective effect of E2 may be mediated by a mechanism that is nuclear estrogen receptor independent, deserves further verification.
Intestinal spirochetosis and chronic watery diarrhea: Clinical and histological response to treatment and long‐term follow up
Authors: Esteve Maria , Salas Antonio , Fernández‐Bañares Fernando , Lloreta Josep , Mariné Meritxell , Gonzalez Clara Isabel , Forné Montserrat , Casalots Jaume , Santaolalla Rebeca , Espinós Jorge Carlos , Munshi Mohammed Arif , Hampson David John , Viver Josep Maria
Published: March 2006

Background:  The clinical significance of intestinal spirochetosis is uncertain, therefore the aim of the present paper was to assess the prevalence of histological intestinal spirochetosis in patients with and without chronic watery diarrhea and to evaluate its clinical relevance.

Methods:  A prospective diagnostic work‐up of intestinal spirochetosis was made on biopsy samples taken from patients with chronic watery diarrhea submitted between 1994 and 2004 (1174 colonoscopies with multiple biopsies). Three other positive cases identified from routine endoscopic biopsies also were reviewed. In addition, samples from 100 asymptomatic control patients and a random sample of another 104 colonic specimens were reviewed for intestinal spirochetosis. The diagnosis was established by light and electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase genes of the intestinal spirochetes Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli was performed on tissue biopsies of the 11 positive patients. After diagnosis, treatment with penicillin benzatine (PB) or metronidazole was offered to all symptomatic patients and they were followed for a mean of 45.4 months (range: 37–113 months).

Results:  Eight patients with chronic watery diarrhea were positive for intestinal spirochetosis. Intestinal spirochetosis was not diagnosed in the controls. Histological resolution of the infection paralleled clinical recovery in six patients (following metronidazole treatment in three). Most patients showed mild, non‐specific colonic inflammation. Invasion by the spirochetes was not demonstrated by electron microscopy. Brachyspira aalborgi and B. pilosicoli each were identified by PCR in two cases.

Conclusions:  Histological intestinal spirochetosis appears to be relatively uncommon in Catalonia (Spain) compared to previous reports from other countries, but was identified in patients (0.7%) with chronic watery diarrhea. Sustained clinical recovery after spontaneous or drug‐induced spirochetal disappearance in these individuals suggests that intestinal spirochetosis may play a pathogenic role in chronic watery diarrhea. Treatment with metronidazole is advisable in patients with persistent symptoms.
Hemorheology in patients with liver cirrhosis: Special emphasis on its relation to severity of esophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Liu Tsu‐Te , Wong Wen‐Jang , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chang Full‐Young , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: March 2006

Background:  Patients with decreased blood viscosity are supposed to have a higher risk of bleeding and increased severity of bleeding (severity of bleeding proportional to transmural pressure × area of variceal tear/blood viscosity). However, the hemorheological factors have never been assessed in patients with esophageal variceal bleeding. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the hemorheological factors in liver cirrhotic patients with special emphasis on the outcome of variceal bleeding.

Methods:  Forty‐two liver cirrhosis patients with variceal bleeding and another 44 matched patients without bleeding were enrolled. The hemorheological and hemostatic factors of their peripheral blood were examined. The clinical course was under careful surveillance.

Results:  Patients with poor hepatic reserve (Child B + C vs A) had lower whole blood viscosity (4.34 ± 0.56 mPa·s vs 5.06 ± 1.35 mPa·s, P < 0.05), lower hematocrit levels (32.86 ± 5.97% vs 36.62 ± 5.44%, P < 0.05), lower platelet counts (79.7 ± 47.6 × 103/mL vs 108.0 ± 71.2 × 103/mL, P < 0.05) and prolonged prothrombin time (2.88 ± 2.33 s vs 1.27 ± 1.37 s, P < 0.05). Patients with bleeding (vs non‐bleeding group) had lower hematocrit levels (31.44 ± 5.75% vs 36.57 ± 5.19%, P < 0.01) and lower fibrinogen levels (226.7 ± 92.7 mg/dL vs 286.4 ± 111.8 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Patients with bleeding with shock had worse liver cirrhosis (Child A/B/C = 0/5/4 vs 11/18/4, P < 0.05), lower whole blood viscosity (4.01 ± 0.17 mPa·s vs 4.57 ± 0.76 mPa·s, P < 0.05), reduced erythrocyte aggregability (2.94 ± 0.41 vs 3.54 ± 0.61, P < 0.001), and lower platelet counts (56.22 ± 17.05 × 103/mL vs 88.87 ± 38.12 × 103/mL, P < 0.001). The Child–Pugh grade and erythrocyte aggregability were two independent factors associated with bleeding shock.

Conclusions:  Whole blood viscosity, hematocrit levels and platelet counts were lower in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Advanced liver cirrhosis and reduced erythrocyte aggregability were independent factors for hypovolemic shock in cirrhotic patients with esophageal variceal bleeding. However, the causal relationship between hemorheology and bleeding needs to be clarified in further studies.
Influence of acid suppressants on gastric emptying: Cross‐over analysis in healthy volunteers
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiko , Amano Yuji , Yuki Takafumi , Ose Takayuki , Miyake Tatsuya , Kushiyama Yoshinori , Sato Shuichi , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: March 2006

Background:  Gastric emptying plays an important role in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid suppressants such as H2 receptor antagonists and/or proton pump inhibitors are often used in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, it remains controversial whether H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors delay or accelerate gastric emptying. Here, the influence of acid suppressants on gastric emptying was evaluated via a cross‐over study using the [13C]‐labeled acetate breath test.

Methods:  Twenty normal male subjects without gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were enrolled. Gastric emptying was investigated five times in every subject by the [13C]‐labeled acetate breath test with oral administration of the vehicle, domperidone, and three acid suppressants: ranitidine, famotidine and rabeprazole. Gastric emptying was estimated by the values of Tmax‐calc, T1/2 and %dose/2 h calculated from the 13CO2 breath excretion curve.

Results:  Using the Tmax‐calc values, rabeprazole, ranitidine and famotidine did not influence gastric emptying time in comparison with vehicle administration. Using the T1/2 and %dose/2 h values, rabeprazole tended to delay gastric emptying. Domperidone produced a statistically significant acceleration of gastric emptying for all three variables (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Oral dosage of the H2 receptor antagonists, ranitidine and famotidine, has no significant effect on gastric emptying. However, rabeprazole may delay gastric emptying more strongly than H2 receptor antagonists.
Expression and immunogenicity of NY‐ESO‐1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Shinichiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Noguchi Yuji , Higashi Toshihiro , Ono Toshiro , Jungbluth Achim , Chen Yao‐Tseng , Old Lloyd J , Nakayama Eiichi , Shiratori Yasushi
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the expression of and humoral response against NY‐ESO‐1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to analyze the relationship between expression of NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA and clinicopathological features.

Methods:  NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA and protein expression in surgically resected hepatocellular carcinoma specimens, adjacent non‐cancerous liver and non‐tumor bearing liver were examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody against NY‐ESO‐1 (ES121), respectively. The antibody response to NY‐ESO‐1 was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant NY‐ESO‐1 protein.

Results:  NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA was detected in 18 of 41 (43.9%) hepatocellular carcinomas. No NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA was expressed in 41 paired non‐cancerous specimens and 18 specimens histologically diagnosed as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed heterogeneous expression of NY‐ESO‐1 protein in three of 18 NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA‐positive hepatocellular carcinomas. None of 23 NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA‐negative hepatocellular carcinomas expressed NY‐ESO‐1 protein. Antibody against NY‐ESO‐1 protein was detected in two of 92 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Both of these patients had tumors invading main branches of the portal vein.

Conclusions:  The present study has demonstrated the expression of NY‐ESO‐1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma and NY‐ESO‐1 antibody production in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the enhancement of NY‐ESO‐1 protein expression and the activation of immune response of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are necessary, NY‐ESO‐1 has the potential to be a good target molecule for immunotherapy against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hyperosmotic stress enhances interleukin‐1β expression in Helicobacter pylori‐infected murine gastric epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Songhua , Yanaka Akinori , Tauchi Masafumi , Suzuki Hideo , Shibahara Takeshi , Matsui Hirofumi , Nakahara Akira , Tanaka Naomi
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  Gastric cancer is associated not only with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, but also with the intake of a high salt diet. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is highly expressed in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. The aim of the present study was to determine if hyperosmotic stress induces IL‐1β expression in gastric epithelial cells in vitro.

Method:  Murine gastric epithelial cells, GSM06, were cultured with or without H. pylori (Sydney strain‐1) at different osmolarities in the range of 300–450 mOsM. Expressions of IL‐1β mRNA and mature IL‐1β protein were evaluated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and an IL‐1β enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. IL‐1β converting enzyme (ICE) activity was measured by an ICE colorimetric assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by a single stranded‐DNA assay.

Results:  Addition of H. pylori at 300 mosM caused significant increases in IL‐1β mRNA, IL‐1β protein, ICE activity and apoptosis. Hyperosmotic stress alone also caused upregulation of IL‐1β mRNA and IL‐1β protein, enhanced ICE activity and accelerated apoptosis. Hyperosmotic stress accentuated the increases in IL‐1β mRNA, IL‐1β protein, ICE activity and apoptosis induced by H. pylori alone. Enhancement of IL‐1β protein release induced by hyperosmotic stress was significantly attenuated by an ICE inhibitor, Z‐YVAD‐FMK.

Conclusions:  Hyperosmotic stress enhances the release of bioactive mature IL‐1β protein in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells, in part by upregulating IL‐1β mRNA expression, and in part by enhancing ICE activity. These results may explain the mechanisms by which chronic intake of a high salt diet increases the risk of gastric cancer among H. pylori‐infected human subjects.
Dengue fever related acalculous cholecystitis in a North Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sharma Navneet , Mahi Sushil , Bhalla Ashish , Singh Virendra , Varma Subhash , Ratho Radha Kanta
Published: March 2006

Background and Aims:  To document the clinical outcome and prognosis of acalculous cholecystitis in dengue fever.

Methods:  Prospective analysis of 27 cases of dengue fever presenting to the medical emergency of a tertiary care referral hospital in Chandigarh, India.

Results:  All patients with dengue fever presenting with abdominal pain in the year 2003 were studied by ultrasound examination for the presence of acalculous cholecystitis. Five cases presented in October and 22 cases in November. Mean age was 29.8 ± 9.7 years and there were 21 males and six females. Mean duration of fever was 5.07 ± 1.8 days and mean duration of body ache was 4.06 ± 2.6 days. The mean platelet counts for all cases at presentation were 29.41 ± 18.41 × 109/L and at discharge 95.28 ± 53.01 × 109/L. The mean duration of in‐hospital stay was 3.4 ± 1.7 days. Fourteen patients presented with pain in the abdomen and were confirmed to have acalculous cholecystitis on ultrasound examination of the abdomen (mean gallbladder wall thickness was 5.2 ± 1.03 mm). Amongst all variables assessed, the only significant difference seen was that the duration of in‐hospital stay was 1.68 days more in the group with acalculous cholecystitis.

Conclusion:  Acalculous cholecystitis should be strongly suspected in patients with dengue fever presenting with abdominal pain. Our study has shown that acalculous cholecystitis occurred in 14 out of 27 patients with dengue fever.
Randomized double blind placebo‐controlled trial of a Chinese herbal therapy (CH100) in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mollison Lindsay , Totten Leanne , Flexman James , Beaman Miles , Batey Robert
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common infection with serious health consequences. Alternative therapies are often used for hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to examine CH100, a Chinese herbal remedy, for efficacy in therapy of chronic HCV.

Methods:  A randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study in a tertiary outpatient clinic of CH100 over 24 weeks with 24 weeks follow‐up in patients with chronic HCV infection. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HCV‐RNA, quality of life (by SF‐36) and side‐effects were examined regularly. Ninety‐seven patients were enrolled of which 91 were suitable for analysis.

Results:  No significant differences were observed between patients receiving CH100 (n = 61) or placebo (n = 30) at baseline or during follow‐up in either ALT or viral titer. However, patients receiving CH100 had a fall in mean ALT over time (P = 0.05 at week 4, P = 0.26 at week 12, and P = 0.04 at week 24), with reversion to baseline during post‐treatment follow up. No significant side‐effects were observed although mild complaints were common. Quality of life scores improved in both groups with time, and bodily pain significantly improved in CH100 recipients.

Conclusion:  CH100 appears to be no better than placebo in the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection.
Histopathological diagnosis of microscopic colitis
Authors: Liszka Łukasz , Woszczyk Dariusz , Pająk Jacek
Published: March 2006

A typical symptom of microscopic colitis (MC) is chronic watery diarrhea with normal endoscopic findings and characteristic inflammatory changes in histopathology. Treatment of the disease is mainly empiric. MC has two main subtypes: lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. There are also untypical histopathological forms of MC: MC with giant cells, MC not otherwise specified (NOS) and cryptal lymphocytic coloproctitis. Some other histopathological changes in MC have been observed, especially Paneth cell hyperplasia or epithelial degeneration. Eosinophilic colitis, acute colitis, amyloidosis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis. The most reliable biopsy material for histopathological examination are samples obtained from transverse colon. Some studies proved that treatment of MC makes it possible to reduce not only clinical, but also histopathological, manifestations.
First assessment of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from shallow and deep zones of boreal reservoirs upon ice break‐up
Authors: Duchemin Éric , Lucotte Marc , Canuel René , Soumis Nicolas
Published: March 2006

Most studies dealing with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large boreal reservoirs were conducted during the ice‐free period. In this paper, the potential methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide emissions are estimated for two hydroelectric reservoirs, as well as for a small experimental reservoir from boreal latitudes (northern Quebec, Canada) at the ice break‐up event through diffusion (diffusive fluxes) and release of bubbles (bubbling fluxes). The results of this preliminary study suggest that the winter diffusive fluxes at the air–water interface of the sampled reservoirs represent < 7% of their cumulative carbon emissions during the ice‐free period. Furthermore, the release upon ice‐break of CH4 bubbles accumulated under the ice cover during the winter could represent  2% of the summer carbon emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs in northern Quebec. The results presented herein suggest that the GHG emissions upon ice break‐up from the boreal reservoirs investigated are a small, but non‐negligible, component of their annual GHG emissions.
Internal nutrient flux in an inland water supply reservoir, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Al Bakri Dhia , Chowdhury Mosharef
Published: March 2006

Nutrient dynamics at the water–sediment interface in the Suma Park Reservoir, Australia, was assessed under simulated laboratory conditions using intact sediment cores. This laboratory experiment demonstrated that the nutrient influx between the sediment and the water column, in both oxic and anoxic environments, contributed substantially to the total nutrient budget and overall recycling of the biologically available nutrients in the reservoir. This study also confirmed that the bottom sediments act as a source of ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) and filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP), but function as a sink for nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N). Extrapolation of the experiment data revealed that the highest nutrient flux was obtained under a summer‐anoxic incubation, with the internal loads of FRP and NH4‐N accounting for ≈ 365% and 338% of their external annual loads, respectively. The internal loss of NO3‐N from the summer anoxic incubation was ≈ 7% of its external annual load. The temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration were the most important factors influencing the nutrient flux and internal loading. Denitrification was believed to be an eminent route of nitrate loss from the reservoir.
The occurrence of microcystin‐LR in Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndebele Mzime Regina , Magadza Christopher H. D.
Published: March 2006

Lake Chivero is a eutrophic reservoir, initially constructed to supply drinking water to the City of Harare, Zimbabwe. Blooms of blue‐green algae have been a problem in the lake for many years and concern has been expressed about the toxins produced by Microcystis spp. The concentrations of the toxin, microcystin‐LR, produced in cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa from Lake Chivero, were investigated from March–April 2003. Microcystin‐LR was found in algal cells cultured from the lake water in concentrations ranging between 18.02 and 22.48 µg L−1, with a mean concentration of 19.86 µg L−1. These concentrations are the highest recorded to date for the lake, raising concerns about the possible effects of the toxin on the health of people who are drinking the water. Based on these study results, there is a need to control eutrophication, reducing algal blooms in order to prevent their potentially detrimental effects from blue‐green algal toxins produced under such conditions.
Dynamics of photosynthetic pigments in an Andean lake in Colombia
Authors: Zapata‐Anzola Angela M. , Rivera‐Rondón Carlos A. , Donato‐Rondón Jhon Ch.
Published: March 2006

Guatavita Lake is a small, sheltered tropical high mountain lake located in the Colombian Andes, with a closed watershed and a maximum depth of 25 m. It is the freshwater source for human consumption in nearby small towns, as well as being a site of cultural value for the country, as it was a sacred place to indigenous peoples until about five centuries ago. As the structure and function of this aquatic ecosystem is poorly understood, this study provides initial knowledge on its phytoplankton biomass dynamics, which should be useful in designing efficient management plans with environmental baseline information for similar lakes elsewhere. Physical and chemical data, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations, were measured for the period November 1999–November 2000 at the central vertical axis of Guatavita Lake. The vertical profile of the chlorophyll‐a concentration was closely related to the dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations and the thermal stratification characteristics. The maximum chlorophyll‐a concentration in the metalimnion was recorded for the thermal stratification period (November 1999–June 2000). Deepening of the maximum chlorophyll‐a concentration began in February, continuing to June, when it reached its lowest value at the 15 m depth. The phytoplankton biomass values showed an increment within the entire water column at the beginning of the mixing period (July). The relation between the metalimnetic peak of chlorophyll‐a and the dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration suggests the growth of the phytoplankton community is limited mainly by the availability of nitrogen.
Restoration scheme for macrophytes in a hypertrophic water body, Wuli Lake, China
Authors: Jin Xiangcan , Xu Qiujin , Yan Changzhou
Published: March 2006

This report analyses the relevant factors that influence the restoration of macrophytes in hypertrophic water bodies, including hydrology, water quality and sediment. Wuli Lake in China is used as a case study for the goal of achieving limno‐ecosystem protection and sustainable development. This report also identifies and discusses some potential macrophyte restoration measures, including pollution control at the source and reducing external pollutant loads to the lake, and environmental restoration measures to improve lake water quality and sediment conditions. The potential for the sustainable management of the lake ecosystem also was explored from the perspective of new restoration systems and mechanisms.
Dendritic amplification of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in a model Purkinje cell
Authors: Solinas Sergio M. G. , Maex Reinoud , De Schutter Erik
Published: March 2006

In neurons with large dendritic arbors, the postsynaptic potentials interact in a complex manner with active and passive membrane properties, causing not easily predictable transformations during the propagation from synapse to soma. Previous theoretical and experimental studies in both cerebellar Purkinje cells and neocortical pyramidal neurons have shown that voltage‐dependent ion channels change the amplitude and time‐course of postsynaptic potentials. We investigated the mechanisms involved in the propagation of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) along active dendrites in a model of the Purkinje cell. The amplitude and time‐course of IPSPs recorded at the soma were dependent on the synaptic distance from the soma, as predicted by passive cable theory. We show that the effect of distance on the amplitude and width of the IPSP was significantly reduced by the dendritic ion channels, whereas the rise time was not affected. Somatic IPSPs evoked by the activation of the most distal synapses were up to six times amplified owing to the presence of voltage‐gated channels and the IPSP width became independent of the covered distance. A transient deactivation of the Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels, triggered by the hyperpolarization following activation of the inhibitory synapse, was found to be responsible for these dynamics. Nevertheless, the position of activated synapses had a marked effect on the Purkinje cell firing pattern, making stellate cells and basket cells most suitable for controlling the firing rate and spike timing, respectively, of their target Purkinje cells.