bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different fibre types on the digestibility of nutrients in cats
Authors: Fekete S. G. , Hullár I. , Andrásofszky E. , Kelemen F.
Published: October 2010

In this study the effect of different fibre types was investigated on the acceptance of foods (in a short‐term study) and on the nutrients’ digestibility by using 10 adult, castrated cats. Peanut hull (PH, source of lignin), dried sugar beet pulp (SBP, source of hemicelluloses and pectin) and alfalfa meal (ALF, source of cellulose) were mixed to a poultry meat based cat food in 10% on dry matter (DM) basis. The average DM intake did only slightly differ according to the type of fibre added. Supplementation of basal food by dried SBP did not influence the digestibility of DM and crude protein (CP) significantly. Using ALF as a fibre source decreased the digestibility of DM (85.8% vs. 78.6%) and CP (93.8% vs. 92.0%) significantly. More severe decline could be observed in the digestibility of DM (85.8% vs. 63.4%) and CP (93.8% vs. 83.7%) when using PH as a fibre source. Fibre sources also influenced the stool DM content significantly. While application of PH increased the DM content of the faeces (45.0% vs. 49.6%), the use of dried sugar beet or ALF reduced the faecal DM content (45.0% vs. 24.1% and 39.0%, respectively). According to these results the less digestible fibre source (PH) increased the DM content of the faeces while by improving the digestibility of the fibre sources the DM content of the faeces decreased. It can be concluded, that not only the absolute fibre content of the food but also the type of fibre must be taken into account when evaluating its possible role as a component of weight loss products.
Epidermal growth factor‐stimulated rabbit oesophageal mucosal growth: Role of polyamines
Authors: SAYLES JOHN , D’ADDIO VICTOR , WANG JIAN‐YING , BASS BARBARA
Published: October 2010

Factors operative in oesophageal mucosal growth are poorly characterized. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to stimulate mucosal growth throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that polyamine biosynthesis is required for stimulation of epithelial growth by EGF in oesophageal mucosa. Using an in vitro explant model, oesophageal mucosal growth was quantified in the presence or absence of EGF and α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific inhibitor of polyamine synthesis. Administration of 50 nmol/L EGF significantly increased the rate of epithelial growth in oesophageal explants. Treatment with DFMO for 3 and 7 days not only depleted the tissue polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine, but also significantly impaired mucosal growth. The inhibitory effect of DFMO on mucosal growth was partially but significantly prevented when exogenous putrescine was given. Additionally, stimulation of epithelial growth by EGF was also blocked by depletion of cellular polyamines in DFMO‐treated oesophageal explants. These results indicate that EGF stimulates epithelial growth of oesophageal mucosa at least partly through a process involving polyamine biosynthesis.
Epidemiology of gastric cancer in relation to diet and Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: WONG BENJAMIN , LAM SHIU‐KUM
Published: October 2010

Gastric cancer is the second most common fatal malignancy in the world. In China, gastric cancer is now the second most common malignancy, while in Hong Kong, the mortality rate ranked fourth among all cancers in 1995. Dietary factors in gastric carcinogenesis came mostly from case– control studies. N‐Nitroso compounds from dietary sources such as preserved, smoked and salted foods were found to be associated with gastric cancer. β‐Carotene, selenium and α‐tocopherol have been shown in an intervention study to be favourable in the reduction of stomach cancer mortality. Fruits and vegetables showed the most consistent results of inverse association with gastric cancer. Dietary salt intake in preserved or salted foods is also shown to be associated with gastric cancer. Tea drinking, especially green tea, has a protective effect against gastric cancer as shown in some studies. Prospective case– control studies of the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the subsequent development of gastric cancer showed that the odds ratio ranged from 2.8 to 6.0. However, results of similar case– control studies in countries with a high frequency of gastric cancer are controversial. Infection with H. pylori leads to changes in the vitamin C content of gastric juice, reactive oxygen metabolites, epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, CagA‐positive strains were found to be associated with gastric cancer and also duodenal ulcers. The exact role of H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis is still under investigation. Large‐scale intervention studies are underway to examine dietary supplementation, H. pylori infection and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori eradication for gastric cancer prevention is being conducted in China and other parts of the world. In high‐risk areas, for example in China, a combination approach including H. pylori eradication and dietary supplementation may be necessary.
Influence of diet, vitamins and chemotherapeutic agents on gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: KOLARS JOSEPH , KURTH CANDACE
Published: October 2010

Dietary influences play a major role in the pathogenesis of most gastrointestinal malignancies. However, it has been difficult to define which dietary components will be most significant for any given individual. In this article we discuss the methodological challenges to research in this field as well as recent observations that have been made on the role of dietary factors in specific digestive tract neoplasms.
Mouse model of gastric infection with cytotoxin‐expressing strain of Helicobacter pylori in studying of pathogenesis of chronic gastric ulcer
Authors: KONTUREK PETER , BRZOZOWSKI TOMASZ , KONTUREK STANISLAW , KARCZEWSKA ELZBIETA , PAJDO ROBERT , GHIARA PAOLO , HAHN ECKHART
Published: October 2010

Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for peptic ulcer, but studies on the role of H. pylori infection in gastric pathology are limited due to lack of convenient models resembling H. pylori infection in humans. We studied the effects of inoculation of conventional BALB/c mice with a toxigenic (cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA)+ and vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (vacA+) H. pylori strain on the course of healing of gastric ulcers. Following inoculation of toxigenic H. pylori or vehicle, gastric ulcers were produced in mice, which were then killed either at day 0 or after 2, 4, 7, 14 or 28 days and ulcer area and gastric blood flow (GBF) were determined. Gastric secretions from mice with chronic gastric fistulae were studied before and after inoculation with toxigenic H. pylori or vehicle (saline). The area (7 mm2) of ulcers in control mice decreased gradually and disappeared almost completely after 14 or 28 days. The ulcers in H. pylori‐infected mice were present at all test days, showing a larger area than in vehicle control animals. The GBF in control mice rose gradually with decreasing ulcer size, being significantly higher at the ulcer margin than the ulcer crater. In contrast, the GBF in H. pylori‐infected mice was significantly lower at the ulcer area than that in the vehicle controls but, again, the GBF at the ulcer margin was always higher than at the ulcer crater. Gastric acid output was reduced by more than 50% immediately after H. pylori inoculation and was accompanied by a significant increase in plasma gastrin release and a fall in gastric luminal somatostatin content. These secretory changes persisted at all test days. Oedema/congestion of surface epithelium appeared after 7 days and mucosal inflammatory infiltration appeared after 14 days, to further increase after 28 days, upon the induction of ulcer. Plasma interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐12 were significantly elevated above the initial values compared with controls. Conventional mice with gastric ulcers can be successfully infected with an H. pylori strain expressing cagA and vacA cytotoxin and this infection markedly delays healing of the ulcers, probably due to the fall in GBF in the ulcer area, mucosal inflammation, cytokine release and impairment of the gastrin–somatostatin link.
Effects of clarithromycin, omeprazole and leminoprazole on gastric ulcer healing in Helicobacter pylori‐infected rats
Authors: LI T , OKABE S
Published: October 2010

We examined whether a single inoculation of Helicobacter pylori can colonize the stomachs of ulcerated rats and delay their healing and whether an antibiotic drug and acid pump inhibitors can enhance the ulcer healing in infected rats. Ulcers were produced by a submucosal injection of acetic acid solution into the gastric wall. Helicobacter pylori (ATCC‐43504) was inoculated into rats with and without gastric ulcers. The animals were killed 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks after the inoculation and the ulcerated area and H. pylori viability were determined. Each test drug and their combination was administered for 1 or 2 weeks after H. pylori inoculation. Helicobacter pylori could not colonize the stomachs of normal rats, but could colonize stomachs with ulcers for 10 weeks at an incidence of > 80%. Spontaneous healing of gastric ulcers was delayed by H. pylori infection during these 10 weeks. Daily treatment with clarithromycin significantly and dose‐dependently delayed ulcer healing in infected rats. Both omeprazole and leminoprazole significantly enhanced ulcer healing and inhibited the clarithromycin‐delayed ulcer healing. We conclude that: (i) H. pylori can colonize rat stomachs with ulcers and delay ulcer healing; (ii) clarithromycin delays ulcer healing in H. pylori‐infected rats; and (iii) acid pump inhibitors inhibited the clarithromycin‐delayed ulcer healing.
The novel histamine H2 receptor antagonist FRG‐8813 prevents delay of wound repair induced by hydrogen peroxide in a rabbit gastric epithelial cell system
Authors: SATO NOBUHIRO , WATANABE SUMIO , WANG XIAN‐EN , OSADA TARO , TANAKA HIROSHI , ITATSU TOMOKO , MIYATA RYUKO , WATANABE KENICHI , SATO KENJI , NAKAJIMA MIKAKO , YAMASHINA SYUNPEI , MATSUZAKI KENICHIRO , MIWA HIROTO
Published: October 2010

The effects of a novel histamine H2 receptor antagonist (FRG‐8813) on the restoration process of gastric epithelial wounds were assessed using an in vitro wound healing model. FRG‐8813 (1, 10 mol/L) was added to a complete confluent monolayer cell sheet after artificial wounding. The restoration process was analysed by a time‐lapse video system and cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. Hydrogen peroxide (1, 3 mmol/L) inhibited restoration after wounding by suppressing cell migration and proliferation and induced epithelial cell apoptosis around the wound. The addition of FRG‐8813 abolished the hydrogen peroxide‐induced retardation and prevented apoptosis, although FRG‐8813 itself did not enhance wound healing. FRG‐8813 may act as a radical scavenger as well as having an anti‐secretory action and may have favourable effects on peptic ulcer healing.
Bleeding peptic ulcer: An evolving role for surgical intervention
Authors: BRANICKI FRANK , TING ALBERT , GERTSCH PHILIP , TUEN HENRY , CHU KENT‐MAN , CHOW LOUIS , WONG JOHN
Published: October 2010

Early surgical intervention was previously advocated in patients > 60 years with bleeding peptic ulcer presenting with haemodynamic instability or ongoing transfusion requirements. It is, however, well recognized that emergency surgical intervention with its inherent risks must be reserved for highly selected patients in whom endoscopy initially fails to control exsanquinating haemorrhage or in whom life‐threatening bleeding recurs. Therapeutic endoscopy for bleeding ulcer has led to a remarkable decline in rebleeding rates, the need for emergency surgery and mortality. Octogenarians are at risk, particularly when ulcer size exceeds 2 cm. Poor surgical candidates make up two‐thirds of patients with major ulcer bleeding and operation is to be avoided if at all possible. Medical therapy with proton pump inhibitor and subsequent eradication of Helicobacter pylori following endoscopic treatment has been shown to be beneficial to outcomes. Should surgery be deemed necessary, it is likely that laparoscopic techniques to control bleeding, with or without the addition of an acid‐reducing procedure, will find a role in haemodynamically stable patients undergoing operation on an early elective basis.
Gastric electrical stimulation in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: CHEN JIAN , LIN ZHIYUE , McCALLUM RICHARD
Published: October 2010

As in the heart, there is a pacemaker in the human stomach and it generates myoelectrical activity with a frequency of approximately three cycles per minute. Abnormalities in gastric myoelectrical activity may result in gastric motility disorders, such as gastroparesis. Electrical stimulation of the stomach is achieved by delivering electrical currents via electrodes attached to the smooth muscle of the stomach. Recently, a number of studies on electrical stimulation of the stomach in both humans and dogs have indicated that gastric electrical stimulation with appropriate parameters is able to entrain gastric slow waves and normalize gastric dysrhythmias. This has led some investigators to use gastric electrical stimulation to treat patients with gastroparesis. Previous studies and the current state of the field in gastric electrical stimulation in treatment of gastroparesis will be discussed and summarized.
Functional dyspepsia: New insights into the pathophysiology
Authors: PHUNG NGHI , TALLEY NICHOLAS
Published: October 2010

The pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia remains poorly understood. There is increasing evidence pointing to a predominant role of gastroduodenal visceral hypersensitivity in the pathogenesis, where patients have abnormally reduced gastric and small intestinal sensory thresholds. Motor abnormalities observed in subgroups of patients include delayed gastric emptying, antral hypomotility, gastric dysrhythmias, abnormal gastrointestinal reflexes and small intestinal dysmotility, but these may be secondary pheno nena. The central nervous system modifies peripheral visceral afferent pathways and, hente, psychological factors may possibly alter symptom status. Other putative mechanisms include Helicobacter pylori gastritis and gastric acid hypersecretion or sensitivity, but the role of these remain controversial.
Effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening: Selecting the ideal strategy
Authors: BOND JOHN
Published: October 2010

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer of Americans. Recently developed and tested methods of screening and surveillance can effectively diagnose and treat the disease in most patients before symptoms develop when the chance of cure is high. It is also possible to prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and resecting premalignant adenomatous polyps. Evidence‐based guidelines recommend that the average‐risk population greater than age 50 be screened with annual faecal occult blood tests plus periodic flexible sigmoidoscopy. This approach is feasible, efficacious, affordable and cost‐effective in a high‐risk country such as the US. Widespread compliance with these recommendations could reduce the mortality from this malignancy by more than 50%.
Polyamines and cytoskeletal proteins in intestinal epithelial cell migration
Authors: WANG JIAN‐YING
Published: October 2010

Our previous studies have shown that polyamines are essential for early mucosal restitution in vivo and cell migration in vitro. The current study determines whether cytoskeleton is involved in the process requiring polyamines for the stimulation of cell migration. Treatment with α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate‐limiting enzyme for polyamine synthesis, for 4 days totally inhibited ODC activity and depleted intracellular polyamines in the intestinal epithelial cells (IEC‐6) derived from rat small intestinal crypt cells. Polyamine deficiency resulted in reorganization of F‐actin in migrating cells but had no effect on the concentrations of filamentous actin and β‐actin mRNA. The actin cortex was greatly increased in density and lamellipodia were less extensive. In contrast, non‐muscle myosin I and II levels in DFMO‐treated cells were decreased by 70 and 75%, respectively, and stress fibres were sparse or absent. The most striking feature of DFMO‐treated cells was the appearance of many small punctate foci of myosin II in the cell interior. Migration of DFMO‐treated cells was reduced by 80%. In the presence of DFMO, exogenous polyamine not only returned cytoskeleton levels and distribution towards normal but also restored cell migration to control levels. These results indicate that actin and myosins have a role in polyamine‐dependent epithelial cell migration and may be part of the mechanism that requires polyamines for early mucosal restitution.
Early phase microvascular interactions in rat jejunum between nitric oxide and vasopressin following indomethacin administration
Authors: LÁSZLÓ FERENC , WHITTLE BRENDAN
Published: October 2010

The involvement of endogenous vasopressin in the actions of indomethacin following the concurrent administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor,NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), on acute intestinal microvascular permeability has been investigated in the rat. Administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.) orL‐NAME (10 mg/kg, s.c.) alone did not affect jejunal and ileal vascular permeability after 1 h, as determined by the leakage of radiolabelled serum albumin. In contrast, when indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.) was injected concurrently withL‐NAME (2–10 mg/kg, s.c.), significant dose‐dependent plasma leakage occurred in the jejunum. Pretreatment withL‐arginine (300 mg/kg s.c.) 15 min prior toL‐NAME prevented these changes in microvascular permeability. Moreover, pretreatment with the vasopressin pressor‐receptor antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (0.01– 0.2 μg/kg, s.c.) dose‐dependently attenuated such damage. These findings suggest that following indomethacin administration, the early inhibition of NO synthase leads to acute microvascular injury involving vasopressin in the rat jejunum. This suggests a protective role of NO, formed by constitutive NO synthase, counteracting effectively the deleterious actions of endogenous vasopressin.
New approach in diagnosis of bile duct disease with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: CHAN YU
Published: October 2010

Advances in technology have made possible the clinical application of magnetic resonance cholangiography, endoscopic, intra‐operative and laparoscopic ultrasound in the study of the biliary tree, in addition to conventional magnetic resonance imaging and transabdominal ultrasound. The role of the conventional, as well as the newer techniques, in the diagnosis of bile duct disease and the limitations and pros and cons of each technique, will be the subject of the present discussion.
Tropical calcific pancreatitis
Authors: TANDON RAKESH
Published: October 2010

Tropical calcific pancreatitis is a special type of chronic pancreatitis that has features quite different from those of alcoholic pancreatitis and is seen almost exclusively in tropical countries. It is characterized by recurrent severe pain in the abdomen, insulin‐requiring but ketosis‐resistant diabetes and large pancreatic calculi in malnourished male adolescents. The clinical course of tropical calcific pancreatitis is protracted with malnutrition, recurrent infections and poorly controlled diabetes. Pancreatic cancer may complicate the natural course in up to 10% of cases. However, in the community a much milder form of the disease occurs with a female preponderance and a prevalence of 0.13% or one in 793. Malnutrition with deficiency of proteins and micronutrients with antioxidant properties and food‐based toxins, such as cassava, which contain cyanogenic glycosides have been suspected as possible aetiological factors. Impaired immune response, a presumed infection (possibly viral) and genetic susceptibility are some of the other factors suspected in the aetiopathogenesis of this disease. Besides controlling diabetes with insulin, relief from pain is obtained by the administration of analgesics and pancreatic enzymes and, in severe cases, by performing endoscopic or surgical decompression of dilated pancreatic ducts with removal of pancreatic calculi.
Verocytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli infection: The Hong Kong experience
Authors: WONG SSY , YAM WC , LEUNG PHM , WOO PCY , YUEN KY
Published: October 2010

Infection by verocytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is prevalent in many parts of the world but relatively uncommon in Asia, except Japan. A territory wide screening for VTEC (April to August 1996) in diarrhoeal stool samples sent to six hospital microbiology laboratories in Hong Kong revealed only four isolates of VTEC and one isolate of E. coli O157:NM in 1003 specimens (incidence 0.5%). Two isolates carrying the verocytotoxin (VT) genes belonged to the O157:H7 serotype while the other two were non‐O157. One non‐toxigenic E. coli O157:NM was also isolated. All isolates positive for VT genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were also positive for the Vero toxin assayed by the Vero cell culture. The 97 kDa eaeA outer membrane protein gene and 60 MDa fimbrial plasmid pcVD419 were present only in the two O157:H7 isolates. All patients presented with uncomplicated watery diarrhoea; no one suffered from haemorrhagic colitis or the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. All patients recovered uneventfully without antibiotic treatment. Although VTEC infection is still uncommon in Hong Kong, continued surveillance is essential to prevent future outbreaks.
Hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: OKUDA KUNIO
Published: October 2010

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is aetiologically very closely associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). World‐wide, hepatitis B virus infection is the predominant aetiological factor in developing countries, whereas in industrialized countries, HCV has a far more important role in hepatocarcinogenesis. The varying weights of the aetiological role of HCV infection are compared among countries. The speed of progression of chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis, thenceforth to HCC, and certain discrepancies between an American study and the Japanese experience are described. The reason for the recent surge of HCV infection and subsequent increase in the incidence of HCC is also discussed. The genetic mechanism of HCV‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis is still poorly understood.
Advances in imaging techniques for the diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions
Authors: Li King , Chan Frandics
Published: October 2010

In the past few years, tremendous advances have been made in the fields of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and contrast agent development. The purpose of this article is to highlight the important developments in imaging techniques that can be used for detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions.
Treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C: Update since the 1997 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference
Authors: Ahmed Aijaz , Keeffe Emmet
Published: October 2010

The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on the management of hepatitis C, which took place in March 1997 and was published in September 1997, established guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis C. The recommended treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is interferon alpha (or equivalent) 3 MIU three times per week for 12 months, in patients showing response to therapy after 3 months. Patients with the greatest risk for progression to cirrhosis (i.e. persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, detectable serum HCV‐RNA and liver biopsy showing portal or bridging fibrosis and at least moderate inflammation and necrosis) are recommended as candidates for therapy. The indication for therapy is less obvious in patients with milder histological changes, compensated cirrhosis and age less than 18 years or older than 60 years. Treatment is not indicated for patients with persistently normal aminotransferases or decompensated cirrhosis. This review outlines the background studies that led to the recommendations of the National Institutes of Health for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and reviews newer evolving treatment strategies over the past year. In particular, the results of studies exploring treatment options for relapsers and non‐responders to prior interferon therapy and the reported results to date on the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with interferon plus ribavirin are highlighted. Although aggressive suppression of HCV‐RNA with induction therapy (daily and/or higher doses) or long‐acting pegylated interferon preparations may improve the current results of therapy, few data are yet available. Finally, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with protease inhibitors holds promise but has yet to reach the stage of clinical trials.
Major hepatic resection without blood transfusion: Experience with total vascular exclusion
Authors: So Samuel , Monge Humberto , Esquivel Carlos
Published: October 2010

Thirty consecutive, major liver resections performed with total vascular exclusion in both non‐cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients were analysed retrospectively. The patients’ ages ranged from 6 months to 80 years. Ten were Asians and five had cirrhosis associated with chronic hepatitis B or C. There was no perioperative death and the mean hospital stay was 6 days for adults and 9.2 days for children. The average vascular exclusion or warm ischaemia time was 25 min (range 10–55 min) and the average intraoperative blood volume given was 275 mL (range 0–3000 mL) packed red blood cells. Sixty per cent required no intraoperative blood transfusion. The mean total bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase were 1.0 mg/dL (range 0.3–2.3 mg/dL) and 84 IU/L (range 14–306 IU/L) when measured prior to discharge at postoperative day 4–7. In our experience, total vascular exclusion is invaluable in major or difficult liver resections, especially lesions adjacent to the hepatic veins and vena cava. It is associated with a low blood transfusion requirement and a low incidence of complications. It further obviates the need for dissection of the porta hepatis and its associated risks. Total vascular exclusion time of 30 min appears to be well tolerated, even in patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Paediatric liver transplantation: Indications, timing and medical complications
Authors: Cox Kenneth , Berquist William , Castillo Ricardo
Published: October 2010

Newer surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapies have resulted in paediatric liver transplantation being available for most children with end‐stage liver disease and has resulted in a greater than 80% 5‐year survival rate. The most common indications for paediatric liver transplantation are biliary atresia (43%), metabolic disease (13%) and acute hepatic necrosis (11%). For approximately 75% of children with acute hepatic failure, the cause is unknown. Timing of liver transplantation not only affects survival rate, but may influence neurodevelopmental outcome. Fortunately, numerous types of donors, such as reduced‐sized, living related or unrelated and blood‐type mismatched, have reduced the mortality of children who are waiting for liver transplantation. However, the mortality and morbidity before and after liver transplantation remain high for children who have fulminant hepatic failure or are less than 5 months of age at the time of transplantation. The principle medical complications after liver transplantation are rejection and infection. Although use of newer immunosuppressive regimens has reduced the rate of rejection, Epstein–Barr virus infection with associated lymphoproliferative disorder remains the principle cause for morbidity and mortality after the initial 3 months post‐liver transplant.
HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GASTRITIS AND HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN RELATION TO THE PRESENCE OF DUODENAL ULCER
Authors: Rani Abdul Aziz , Abdullah Murdani
Published: October 2010

Background

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infections have different clinical courses resulting probably from the differences of its virulence.

Aims

to describe the features of gastritis and Hp infection and to determine which histological features would increase the risk of duodenal ulcer in patients with Hp infection.

Methods

The histopathologic characteristic of gastric biopsy specimens taken from antrum and stained with Giemsa and Hematoxiline‐Eosin stain were investigated among 142 patients (M=72, F=70) diagnosed as dyspepsia and recognized as Hp positive. Grade and activity of gastritis was examined according to the Sydney System (chronic inflammation, neutrophilic infiltration, intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy). The presence of Hp was determined by histology. All the patients were from the private hospital in Jakarta. The presence of duodenal ulcer was recognized in 6 patients.

Results

Six patients with duodenal ulcer and 136 patients with gastritis were examined. The grade of mononuclear infiltration, intestinal metaplasia and the activity of polymorphonuclear were higher in duodenal ulcer group, but statistically have of no significant. On other hand glandular atrophy increased significantly in the group of duodenal ulcer compare to chronic gastritis group (p<0.05). Bacterial density was higher in the antrum compare to the corpus (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The result suggest that chronic gastritis induced by Hp infection may associate with the presence of duodenal ulcer through the development of atrophic gastritis.
Predominant T helper 1 cells in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension
Authors: Tokushige Katsutoshi , Yamauchi Katsumi , Komatsu Tatsuji , Takasaki Ken , Hayashi Naoaki
Published: October 2010

Background: The pathologic mechanism of idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is unknown. Because cytokines and the balance of T helper (h) 1 and Th2 CD4+ T cells have been reported to be important for regulating the immune response, in the present study we investigated the role of cytokines and the distribution of cytokine‐producing cells in IPH patients.

Methods: Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, soluble TNF receptor‐I, ‐II, interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐4 were measured in IPH patients, fatty liver patients, chronic hepatitis patients and control subjects. The percentages of Th0, Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cells were examined in peripheral and spleen lymphocytes in IPH patients by intracellular staining.

Results: Serum levels of TNF‐α, soluble TNF receptor‐I, interferon‐γ and IL‐4 of IPH patients were not increased in comparison with control subjects. Only the mean value of soluble TNF receptor‐II was significantly higher than that of control subjects and fatty liver patients. The ratios of Th1 and Th2 in both peripheral and spleen lymphocytes of IPH patients were significantly increased compared with the ratios found in peripheral lymphocytes of control subjects. The increase in the ratios was due to a decrease in the percentage of Th2 CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the imbalance of Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cells and TNF may be associated with the pathogenesis of IPH.
Influence of intestinal flora on the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis in a rat model1
Authors: Plummer John L , Ossowicz Chris J , Whibley Catherine , Ilsley Anthony H , Hall Pauline De La M
Published: October 2010

Background and Aims: The gut flora play a significant role in the disposition of many foreign substances, as well as producing nutrients and toxins that may be absorbed and reach the liver. This study examines the influence of antibiotic‐induced alterations in gut flora on the development of hepatic fibrosis in a rat model.

Methods: Thirty‐six male Porton rats were fed alcohol (3.9 g/kg per day) in the drinking water and exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) vapor (80 p.p.m.) for 6 h each night, five nights per week. Half were also given neomycin (330 mg/kg per day) and polymyxin B (105 mg/kg per day) in the drinking water. Fecal cultures were carried out at 0, 3, 8 and 13 weeks; rats were killed at 14 weeks. Coded liver section were assessed for fibrosis using a graded scale (0, no abnormal fibrosis to 4, early or established cirrhosis).

Results: Rats that received antibiotics had significantly higher fibrosis scores than those that did not (mean score 2.4 vs 1.4, P < 0.01, ordinal logistic regression). Three rats, all of which were in the antibiotic group, were cirrhotic. Rats that had received antibiotics fell into three groups. Four had overgrowth of Proteus mirabilis; in these the fibrosis scores (mean 1.5) were similar to those in the rats that did not receive antibiotic. In six, no organisms could be cultured; fibrosis scores of these (mean 2.3) were slightly elevated (P = 0.03), but this was mainly because of a single rat in this subgroup being cirrhotic. The remaining eight had overgrowth of Morganella morganii; these had significantly (P < 0.001) elevated fibrosis scores. Furthermore, in this subgroup, fibrosis scores were significantly correlated (Spearman's r = 0.82, P = 0.01) with the number of weeks of Morganella colonization.

Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment exacerbated fibrosis in the alcohol/CCl4 rat model; this effect appeared to be related to the type of gut flora and may be endotoxin‐mediated.
Determinants of basal plasma gastrin levels in the general population
Authors: Peach Hedley G , Barnett Nicole E
Published: October 2010

Background: There is considerable variation in basal plasma gastrin levels in healthy subjects. Although high plasma gastrin levels may be causally associated with duodenal ulcer and colorectal cancer, there has been little research to identify the factors that determine basal gastrin levels in the general population.

Methods: Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies and fasting basal gastrin concentrations were measured in 134 males and 137 females who had participated in a cardiovascular disease risk factor prevalence survey and for whom frozen plasma was available. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of basal plasma gastrin concentration.

Results: The determinants of basal plasma gastrin concentration were H. pylori infection (B = 0.12 ± 0.03; P = 0.0001), age in deciles (B = 0.02 ± 0.01; P = 0.03), hazardous drinking (B = 0.10 ± 0.05; P = 0.07) and gender (B = 0.05 ± 0.03; P = 0.06), but not education, neighborhood socioeconomic index, smoking, body mass index, vigorous exercise or medication known to affect basal plasma gastrin concentration. Ten percent (± 3) of seropositive subjects had a high basal plasma gastrin concentration > 90 pg/mL compared with only 2% (± 1) of seronegative subjects.

Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the few modifiable determinants of basal plasma gastrin levels in the general population.
Clinical significance of cathepsin E in pancreatic juice in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Uno Koji , Azuma Takeshi , Nakajima Masatsugu , Yasuda Kenjiro , Hayakumo Takanobu , Mukai Hidekazu , Sakai Toshiyuki , Kawai Keiichi
Published: October 2010

Background: It has been reported that cathepsin E (CTSE) is a non‐secretory and intracellular aspartic proteinase found in the superficial epithelial cells of the stomach and that it is also expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We evaluated the diagnostic value of CTSE in the pancreatic juice in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with that of CA19–9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and K‐ras mutations.

Methods: One hundred and one patients (25 with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 76 with chronic pancreatitis) were examined for the diagnostic significance of CTSE in the pancreatic juice in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Forty of 101 patients (15 with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 25 with chronic pancreatitis) were examined to compare the diagnostic value of various tumor markers in the pancreatic juice, namely CA19–9, CEA, K‐ras mutations and CTSE.

Results: The detection frequency of CTSE was significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (64.0%) than in patients with chronic pancreatitis (7.9%; χ2 = 34.76; P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CTSE in the pancreatic juice for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was 66.7, 92.0 and 82.5%, respectively. These values were more efficient in comparison with those of CA19–9, CEA and K‐ras mutations. The main cause of the detection failure of CTSE in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was obstruction of the main pancreatic duct. Sensitivity was 85.7% in patients without obstruction of the main pancreatic duct.

Conclusions: Cathepsin E in the pancreatic juice is a novel marker for a definitive diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: Direct evidence of circulatory disturbances
Authors: Kumagai Hideki , Masuda Tomoyuki , Oikawa Hiroki , Endo Kaoru , Endo Mikiya , Takano Toshikuni
Published: October 2010

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver is a lesion characterized by a well‐circumscribed region of hyperplastic liver parenchyma and contains a stellate fibrous scar. The lesion is thought to be because of liver‐cell hyperplasia that is caused by focal circulatory disturbances. We describe here a pediatric case of this lesion that provided direct histopathologic evidence of circulatory disturbances. We identified arterial and portal thrombi, as well as recanalization of arteries in the nodule. Hepatic necrosis was also seen in the lesion. We speculate that thrombosis of the hepatic artery and/or portal vein was the cause of hepatic necrosis and that reperfusion following hepatic arterial recanalization resulted in nodule formation. Although there was no stellate scar present in our case, the presence of bile ductular proliferation at the periphery of the nodule was helpful in distinguishing this lesion from adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The early stage of nodular formation may explain the lack of a stellate scar in our case. The patient was treated earlier with actinomycin D and vincristine following surgical excision of Wilms' tumor. It is possible that such chemotherapy contributed to thrombosis in our case.
Nurses Fighting the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Africa
Authors: Ngcongco Ndiki V
Published: October 2010

Nurses involved in HIV/AIDS care must contend with many practical, professional and ideological issues. In doing so they must also be activists for social justice and human rights in health care, especially in countries where poverty and lack of knowledge are inextricably linked to the spread of HIV. Below, a report on where nurses are and should be going in Africa.
Noninvasive genetic analysis in birds: testing reliability of feather samples
Authors: Segelbacher G.
Published: October 2010

Noninvasive samples are useful for molecular genetic analysis of free‐ranging animals. I tested whether moulted feathers collected in the field are a reliable source of DNA for genotyping microsatellite loci. I prescreened extracts for DNA quantity and, using only samples with higher amounts of DNA, obtained reliable genotyping results. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification success was higher from extracts of plucked feathers than moulted feathers. DNA quantity in larger feathers was higher than that in smaller feathers. This study clearly demonstrates that moulted feathers could be used for genetic studies in birds.
Dinucleotide microsatellite markers from the Antarctic seals and their use in other Pinnipeds
Authors: Davis C. S. , Gelatt T. S. , Siniff D. , Strobeck C.
Published: October 2010

Twenty‐four microsatellite loci were isolated from three species of Antarctic seals (Subfamily Monachinae, Tribe Lobodontini). Eleven loci were cloned from Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii, seven from leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, and six from crabeater seal, Lobodon carcinophagus. Variability was assessed in Weddell seals collected in McMurdo Sound, leopard seals from Bird Island, South Georgia, and crabeater seals sampled in the eastern Ross Sea. All loci were variable in the three species used for cloning and 22 of these loci amplified variable products in the Ross seal, Ommatophoca rossii. Cross‐species amplification was largely successful, with an average of 19 loci amplifying products in other phocids.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei
Authors: Cruz P. , Mejia‐Ruiz C. H. , Perez‐Enriquez R. , Ibarra A. M.
Published: October 2010

Five polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized for Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. Loci were isolated using a partial Sau3A1 genomic library by the sequencing of randomly selected clones and by a biotinylated (CT)10 and (GT)10 probes screening procedure. The last strategy resulted in the most useful data. About 40% of the clones showed a previously reported satellite/microsatellite (PVS1), reducing the chance of finding new microsatellite regions. Whereas two of the microsatellite loci with more than 10 alleles will be useful for mating analysis in a breeding program, the others might prove useful for population genetic studies.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) application for free‐living nematodes (Rhabditida) discrimination
Authors: Nikolaidis N. , Scouras Z. G.
Published: October 2010

Synthetic primers were designed and constructed based on Caenorhabditis elegans genomic sequences, targeting HSP70 related sequences. Genomic DNA derived from several free‐living bacterial feeding nematode species was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), attempting discrimination among them. The amplified DNA fragments exhibited a distinct and reproducible pattern that characterizes different nematode species and populations.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers of a Pisolithus sp. from a Eucalyptus plantation
Authors: Kanchanaprayudh J. , Lian C. , Zhou Z. , Hogetsu T. , Sihanonth P.
Published: October 2010

We developed six polymorphic microsatellite markers for an ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus sp., which are associated with Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Thailand using a method starting with amplified fragments of intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR). The number of alleles per locus varied between two and five and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.123 to 0.625. These loci are available for analysis of genetic structure and gene flow in Eucalyptus‐associated Pisolithus spp. populations.
Microsatellite DNA markers for a grasshopper: Prionotropis hystrix rhodanica (Orthoptera, Pamphagidae)
Authors: Streiff R. , Mondor‐Genson G. , Audiot P. , Rasplus J. Y.
Published: October 2010

Microsatellite loci were isolated from Prionotropis hystrix rhodanica, an endangered grasshopper species, endemic to a steppic area southeast of France. Six polymorphic loci were obtained from an enriched partial genomic libray. A high genetic diversity was observed at all loci, with an observed number of alleles ranging from seven to 29, and an observed heterozygosity between 0.71 and 0.90. Test of cross‐amplifications on two closely related taxa are presented.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Authors: Thuman Katherine A. , Widemo Fredrik , Piertney Stuart B.
Published: October 2010

Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from the lek‐breeding ruff (Philomachus pugnax) using an enrichment cloning procedure. The number of alleles resolved per locus ranged from five to 56, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.311 to 0.857 in a sample of 319 ruffs from Gotland, Sweden. Two loci were located on the Z chromosome, rendering all females hemizygotes. These markers are effective in the assignment of parentage and determining male mating success.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the tree pathogen and sapstain agent, Ophiostoma ips
Authors: Zhou X. D. , Burgess T. , De Beer Z. W. , Wingfield B. D. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: October 2010

Twelve pairs of simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) were developed using a single ascospore isolate of Ophiostoma ips, isolated from the bark beetle, Orthotomicus erosus, infesting Pinus elliottii in South Africa. All markers were found to be polymorphic when tested on seven isolates of O. ips collected from Austria, Chile, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, and the USA. These will now be useful in population and phylogenetic studies on O. ips.
gimlet: a computer program for analysing genetic individual identification data
Authors: Valière Nathaniel
Published: October 2010

Growing interest in microsatellite genotyping, combined with noninvasive genetic sampling has led to the increased production of data. New tools to analyse these data are required. gimlet is a user‐friendly software package designed to perform several simple tasks: (i) construction of consensus genotypes from repeated genotyping; (ii) estimation of genotyping error rates; (iii) identification of identical genotypes; (iv) comparison of new genotypes to a set of reference genotypes; (v) determination of the kinship; and (vi) estimation of several population parameters such as allele frequencies, heterozygosity, probability of identity, and population size.
Dialysis Rounds: Mycotic Aneurysms and Death in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Rodby Roger A. , Chang Celeste Sharon , Thajeb Peterus , Chen Han‐Hsiang , Wu Chin‐Jen
Published: October 2010

A patient with newly diagnosed end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) received a femoral catheter for hemodialysis (HD). Shortly thereafter he developed fever, and blood cultures grew methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The catheter was removed and the patient was treated with both vancomycin and rifampin; however, blood culture positivity persisted. The cerebrospinal fluid showed sterile meningitis. Subsequent imaging studies demonstrated aortic valve endocarditis and multiple mycotic aneurysms that appeared to include the intra‐ and extracranial vessels. The patient eventually died from sepsis. This case illustrates the aggressive and invasive nature of systemic infection with S. aureus and underscores the high morbidity and mortality associated with infections related to HD catheters.
Realizing the frequency quality factor product limit in silicon via compact phononic crystal resonators
Authors: Goettler Drew , Su Mehmet , Leseman Zayd , Soliman Yasser , Olsson Roy , El-Kady Ihab
Published: October 2010

High-Q (quality factor) resonators are a versatile class of components for radio frequency micro-electromechanical systems . Phononic crystals provide a promising method of producing these resonators. In this article, we present a theoretical study of the Q factor of a cavity resonator in a two-dimensional phononic crystal comprised of tungsten rods in a silicon matrix. One can optimize the Q of a phononic crystal resonator by varying the number of inclusions or the cavity harmonic number. We conclude that using higher harmonics marginally increases Q while increasing crystal length via additional inclusions causes Q to increase by orders of magnitude. Incorporating loss into the model shows that the silicon material limit on Q is achievable using a two-dimensional phononic crystal design with a reasonable length. With five layers of inclusions on either side of the cavity, the material limit on Q is achieved, regardless of the harmonic number.