bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
XRCC1 downregulated through promoter hypermethylation is involved in human gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: WANG Ping , TANG Jie Ting , PENG Yan Shen , CHEN Xiao Yu , ZHANG Yan Jie , FANG Jing Yuan 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To analyze the expression and aberrant methylation of X‐ray repair cross‐complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) in gastric carcinogenesis, and identify the molecular mechanism of gastric carcinogenesis.METHODS:  The method based on methyl binding domain protein (MBD) immuno‐precipitation and promoter microarray was employed to screen the gastric cancer‐related methylation‐sensitive gene. An immunohistochemistry assay was applied to detect the protein expression of XRCC1 in the multistep progression of gastric carcinogenesis. The mRNA expression of XRCC1 was determined by real‐time PCR in tumor tissues and their corresponding non‐tumorous tissues. The methylation status and Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms of XRCC1 in gastric cancer and gastritis tissues were analyzed by methylation‐specific PCR, bisulfite genomic sequencing and direct DNA sequencing, respectively.RESULTS:  Promoter microarray screening and identification suggested that XRCC1 was a methylation‐sensitive gene. Immunochemistry results showed that XRCC1 protein expression gradually decreased with progression of gastric mucosal lesions (P < 0.05). The positive rate of XRCC1 in patients with well/moderately differentiated gastric cancer was significantly higher than patients with poorly differentiated gastric cancer (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of XRCC1 in gastric cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in the non‐tumorous tissues (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, XRCC1 methylation in gastric cancer tissues was more frequent than that in the gastritis tissues (P < 0.05), and the downregulation of XRCC1 expression was relevant to methylation (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:  The expression of XRCC1 is downregulated in gastric carcinogenesis, and promoter hypermethylation may be one of the mechanisms contributing to its downregulation.
Evaluating human liver reserve function by measuring serum concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolites
Authors: XIONG Wen Jian , JIN Hui , LI Shui Jun , JIN Jia Chen , JI Bei Na , YU Chen 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate human liver reserve function (LRF) by a simple and efficient method for measuring serum concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolites.METHODS: Overall 20 patients with liver cirrhosis (Child–Pugh score ≥ 7, aged 48–79 years), 30 healthy young volunteers (aged 18–40 years), and 20 healthy elderly volunteers (aged 61–80 years) were enrolled. All participants received a single oral dose of 0.5 g phenacetin. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the serum concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolites, including acetaminophen, acetaminophen glucuronide and acetaminophen sulfate.RESULTS: The serum concentration of phenacetin was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than those in either of the healthy volunteer groups (P < 0.001). It was higher in healthy elderly volunteers than that in healthy young ones but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between them. The serum concentrations of acetaminophen, acetaminophen glucuronide and acetaminophen sulfate were significantly lower in cirrhotic patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.001). The serum concentrations of these three metabolites in healthy elderly volunteers were lower than those in healthy younger volunteers but again, there was no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05). The serum concentration of acetaminophen in healthy male volunteers was significantly higher than that in the women (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Monitoring cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP450 1A2)‐mediated phenacetin metabolism is a simple and efficient method for evaluating human LRF. This method would warrant further validation in a large cohort clinical study.
The mouse pink‐eyed dilution allele of the P‐gene greatly inhibits eumelanin but not pheomelanin synthesis
Authors: Hirobe Tomohisa , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe mouse pink‐eyed dilution (p) locus is known to control eumelanin synthesis, melanosome morphology, and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes. However, it has not been fully determined whether the mutant allele, p affects pheomelanin synthesis. Effects of the p allele on eumelanin and phemelanin synthesis were investigated by chemical analysis of dorsal hairs of 5‐week‐old mice obtained from the F2 generations (black, pink‐eyed black, recessive yellow, pink‐eyed recessive yellow, agouti, and pink‐eyed agouti) between C57BL/10JHir (B10)‐congenic pink‐eyed black mice (B10‐p/p) and recessive yellow (B10‐Mc1re/Mc1re) or agouti (B10‐A/A) mice. The eumelanin content was dramatically (>20‐fold) decreased in pink‐eyed black and pink‐eyed agouti mice, whereas the pheomelanin content did not decrease in pink‐eyed black, pink‐eyed recessive yellow, or pink‐eyed agouti mice compared to the corresponding P/‐ mice. These results suggest that the pink‐eyed dilution allele greatly inhibits eumelanin synthesis, but not pheomelanin synthesis.
Risk Factors forCampylobacterColonization in Broiler Flocks in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Y. , Tsujiyama Y. , Tanaka H. , Yoshida S. , Goshima T. , Oshima K. , Katayama S. , Yamada Y. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of and to identify the risk factors forCampylobactercolonization in broiler flocks in Japan.Camplylobactercolonization status in flock was evaluated by culturing pooled caecal excrement from 124 broiler flocks. Potential exposure to risk factors was evaluated with a questionnaire for the broiler producers. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The prevalence ofCampylobacter‐positive flocks was 43.5% (upper and lower limits of 95% confidence interval (CI95%): 34.8, 52.3). Multivariable logistic regression model identified two variables as risk factors forCampylobactercolonization. The ORs ofCampylobactercolonization were higher in flocks in western Japan (OR = 2.68; CI95%: 1.04, 6.91) than in eastern Japan, and in flocks supplied with undisinfected drinking water (OR = 7.41; CI95%: 3.11, 17.66) than in those supplied with disinfected drinking water. These findings indicate that water may play an important role inCampylobactercolonization in broiler flocks in Japan and the use of disinfected water may reduce the risk ofCampylobactercolonization.
Recent progress in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma detected during a surveillance program in Japan
Authors: Nakano Masahito , Ando Eiji , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Torimura Takuji , Sumie Shuji , Takata Akio , Fukushima Nobuyoshi , Kurogi Junichi , Niizeki Takashi , Iwamoto Hideki , Tanaka Masatoshi , Sata Michio 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  This study explored recent improvements in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed during surveillance.Methods:  The subjects were 1074 patients with HCC, subdivided into three groups. Group A comprised 211 patients for whom HCC was detected during periodic follow‐up examinations at Kurume University School of Medicine, Group B comprised 544 patients diagnosed with HCC during periodic follow‐up examinations at other institutions, and, Group C comprised 319 patients with HCC detected incidentally or because of symptoms.Results:  In 1995–2000 and 2001–2006, 91% and 91% of group A, 68% and 70% of group B, and 27% and 26% of group C patients with HCC, respectively, met the Milan criteria. For groups A and B, the proportions of patients with Child–Pugh class A and use of promising treatment increased in the later periods compared to those diagnosed during the earlier periods (group A, Child–Pugh class A, 72% vs 58% [P = 0.040], receiving treatment, 90% vs 70% [P < 0.0001]; group B, Child–Pugh class A, 71% vs 62% [P = 0.031]; receiving treatment, 72% vs 52% [P < 0.0001], respectively). The cumulative survival rates of the 405 patients with HCC detected in the latter 6 years tended to be better than those for patients diagnosed in the former 6 years (350 patients) (4 years, 58% vs 50% [P = 0.0349]).Conclusion:  The use of promising treatment and prognosis have improved in the last 6 years for patients with HCC diagnosed through surveillance relative to those identified in 1995–2000.
Clinical features of liver dysfunction in collagen diseases
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Abe Kazumichi , Yokokawa Junko , Iwadate Haruyo , Kobayashi Hiroko , Watanabe Hiroshi , Irisawa Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Liver dysfunction is not rare in patients with collagen disease. We sought to elucidate the clinical features of liver dysfunction in the presence of collagen disease.Methods:  We analyzed the frequency and causes of liver dysfunction in 607 patients (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], n = 220; systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], n = 164; systemic sclerosis [SSc], n = 47; Sjögren's syndrome [SjS], n = 44; Behçet's disease, n = 43; polymyositis/dermatomyositis [PM/DM], n = 27; vasculitis syndrome, n = 25; mixed connective tissue disease [MCTD], n = 21; and adult‐onset Still's disease [AOSD], n = 16).Results:  Liver dysfunction was observed in 238 (39.2%) of 607 patients showing collagen disease. Patients with AOSD (81.3%), PM/DM (51.9%) and vasculitis syndrome (48.0%) frequently displayed liver dysfunction. Liver dysfunction in collagen diseases results from many causes; drug‐induced liver injury (26.1%), fatty liver (7.6%), viral hepatitis (1.3%), autoimmune hepatitis (4.2%), primary biliary cirrhosis (15.9%) and the collagen disease itself (15.5%). Conversely, primary biliary cirrhosis was a leading cause in SSc (76.1%) and SjS (70.0%). Liver dysfunction in collagen disease tended to be mild. In addition, alanine aminotransferase levels correlated positively with ferritin levels in AOSD (R = 0.708, P < 0.05). Moreover, alkaline phosphatase levels correlated positively with C reactive protein levels in vasculitis syndrome (R = 0.833, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Liver dysfunction in the presence of collagen disease has various causes, and dysfunction associated with collagen disease reflects the activity of the collagen disease itself.
Postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization for participants with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhong Jian‐Hong , Li Le‐Qun 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is positive, but for postoperative HCC, many studies have reported controversial results. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant TACE for participants with HCC.Methods:  Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating postoperative adjuvant TACE for participants with HCC.Results:  Six RCT totaling 659 participants, of whom almost all were of stage IIIA HCC, were included. For the 1‐year tumor recurrence rate, hepatectomy plus TACE showed statistically significant less incidence of recurrence, with a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55–0.84, P = 0.0003). For 1‐year mortality, the trials were favorable for TACE with a pooled risk ratio of 0.48 (95% CI = 0.35–0.65, P < 0.00001). For 3‐year mortality, the trials also revealed statistically significant less incidence, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.76 (95% CI = 0.64–0.90, P = 0.002). However, for 5‐year mortality, TACE did not demonstrate statistically significant less incidence (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.81–1.08, P = 0.36). Transient fever and nausea/vomiting were reported as side‐effects of TACE but were well tolerated by most participants.Conclusion:  Postoperative adjuvant TACE seems promising for participants with HCC with risk factors (multiple nodules of >5 cm or vascular invasion) but requires further trial.
Hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus upregulate angiopoietin‐2 expression through mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway
Authors: Li Yanmei , Chen Jizheng , Wu Chunchen , Wang Linding , Lu Mengji , Chen Xinwen 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To explore the molecular mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) upregulate angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) expression.Methods:  Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), quantitative real‐time (qRT)–PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis were used to measure the Ang‐2 transcription and expression level. Reporter gene assays were used to determine the cis‐element of the Ang‐2 promoter. The specific inhibitors assay, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were conducted to verify the signal pathway involved in the upregulation of Ang‐2 expression.Results:  The level of transcription and expression of Ang‐2 increased in the HepG2.2.15 and Con‐1 cells. Reporter gene assays in HepG2.2.15 and Con‐1 cells revealed that HBV/HCV could enhance Ang‐2 promoter expression by activating AP‐1 and Ets1. Analysis with specific inhibitors indicated that HBV/HCV upregulated the expression of Ang‐2 through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.Conclusion:  This study illustrates a distinct mechanism by which a tumor virus modulates vasculature to promote tumorigenesis.
Anti‐PDGF‐B monoclonal antibody reduces liver fibrosis development
Authors: Ogawa Shinji , Ochi Takashi , Shimada Hideaki , Inagaki Kazuyuki , Fujita Isami , Nii Aisuke , Moffat Mark A. , Katragadda Madan , Violand Bernard N. , Arch Robert H. , Masferrer Jaime L. 
Published: September 2010

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of a platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐B specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a therapeutic agent to treat chronic liver fibrosis.Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in ICR mice by bile duct ligation (BDL) or BALB/c mice by weekly injection of concanavalin A (ConA) for 4 or 8 weeks. A mAb specific for mouse and human PDGF‐B chain, AbyD3263, was generated, testedin vitroand administered twice a week throughout the experimental period.Results: AbyD3263 showed neutralizing activity against mouse and human PDGF‐B chain in cell‐based assays, as measuredin vitroby inhibition of phosphorylation of PDGF receptor β and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells induced by PDGF‐BB. The half life of AbyD3263 in mice exceeded 7 days and dosing of animals twice a week resulted in constant plasma levels of the mAb. Induction of liver fibrosis by BDL and ConA resulted in elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in plasma and hydroxyproline in the liver. Treatment with AbyD3263 did not modify ALT levels, but significantly reduced hydroxyproline content in the liver with a maximum reduction of 39% and 54% in the BDL and ConA models, respectively, compared to controls.Conclusios: Consistent with the notion that PDGF‐BB plays an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis, AbyD3263 exhibits efficacy in pre‐clinical disease models suggesting that pharmacological inhibition of PDGF‐B chain may be a therapeutic approach to treat liver fibrosis.
Prognostic significance of co‐expression of nm23 and p57 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Guo Hui , Nan Kejun , Hu Tinghua , Meng Jie , Hui Wentao , Zhang Xiaozhan , Qin Haixia , Sui Chenguang 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To investigate the unbalance of proliferation and apoptosis and the functions of cell‐cycle proteins and apoptotic factor in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their effect in prognosis.Methods:  Proliferation index and apoptosis index, as well as seven relatively molecular markers, namely p15, p34, p53, p57, p73, survivin and nm23, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL in HCC tissues and compared to adjacent non‐cancerous tissues and normal liver tissues. Furthermore, the prognostic significance by follow‐up and mutual relationships for each clinicopathologic factor and molecular marker were analysed.Results:  The dysregulation between proliferation and apoptosis and the abnormal expression of seven molecular markers were observed in HCC tissues. The unbalance of proliferation and apoptosis and abnormal expressions of p15, p34, p57 and nm23 were correlated with TNM stage and extrahepatic metastasis. In particular, the abnormal co‐expression of nm23/p57 correlated with advanced TNM stage and bigger tumor size and was an independent prognostic factor of HCC.Conclusion:  The unbalance of proliferation and apoptosis and abnormal expression of cell‐cycle proteins promote metastasis of HCC. Moreover, the abnormal co‐expression of nm23/p57 may be a useful molecular marker for metastasis and unfavourable prognosis for HCC.
Role of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and thymidylate synthase expression in immunohistochemistry of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Nishi Masaaki , Shimada Mitsuo , Utsunomiya Tohru , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Mori Hiroki , Hanaoka Jun , Bando Yoshimi 
Published: September 2010

Aims:  Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are key enzymes in the metabolism of 5‐fluorouracil and have been implicated as possible prognostic markers for cancer patients. However, the clinical roles of DPD and TS in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological role of DPD and TS expressions in IHCC.Methods:  Twenty‐nine patients who had undergone hepatic resection for IHCC were enrolled in this study. Expressions of DPD and TS in the resected IHCC specimens were examined using anti‐DPD or anti‐TS antibody. The patients were divided into positive and negative groups according to DPD/TS expressions: DPD‐positive group (n = 18) and DPD‐negative group (n = 11)/TS‐positive group (n = 14) and TS‐negative group (n = 15). Clinicopathological factors were compared between the two groups.Results:  The overall survival rate was significantly lower in the DPD‐negative group than in the DPD‐positive group (1‐year 36.4% vs. 77.4%, 3‐year 18.2% vs. 43.0%; P < 0.05). The disease‐free survival rate in the DPD‐negative group tended to be lower than that in the DPD‐positive group. The overall survival rate or disease‐free survival rate did not appear to be associated with the TS‐expression status. The Ki‐67 labeling index in the DPD‐negative group was significantly higher than that in the DPD‐positive group (16.9 ± 3.2% vs.13.2 ± 3.3%; P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The negative DPD expression was significantly associated with the enhanced tumor cell proliferation and poorer prognosis in patients with IHCC. DPD expression is a potential prognostic indicator for IHCC.
Restriction of calorie and iron intake results in reduction of visceral fat and serum alanine aminotransferase and ferritin levels in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Iwasa Motoh , Hara Nagisa , Iwata Kazuko , Ishidome Masumi , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Tanaka Hideaki , Fujita Naoki , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Takei Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To clarify the impact of visceral fat on chronic liver diseases such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis C, we investigated the effects of lifestyle modifications on the amount of visceral fat, liver biochemistry and serum ferritin levels in patients with liver disease.Methods:  Eighty‐two patients (NAFLD, n = 37; hepatitis C, n = 45) were advised to adopt lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and exercise, and these were maintained for 6 months. Bodyweight, percentage of body fat, visceral fat area (VFA) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin were measured before and after intervention.Results:  In NAFLD, the mean VFA of 134.5 cm2 was significantly reduced to 125.3 cm2 after 6 months (P < 0.001). ALT levels improved significantly between the values measured before and after intervention (P = 0.039). The VFA prior to intervention was 100 cm2 in hepatitis C patients and it was reduced significantly after 6 months to 95.6 cm2 (P < 0.001). ALT levels also improved significantly in the hepatitis C patients (P < 0.001). The serum ferritin levels also reduced in these patients. Improvements in serum ALT and ferritin levels correlated with the amount of visceral fat reduction in both groups (P = 0.046, P = 0.008, respectively).Conclusion:  These findings demonstrate that restriction of calorie and iron intake results in reduction of visceral fat, liver enzymes and ferritin in patients with chronic liver disease. Visceral fat may be a central target for future interventions, not only in NAFLD but also in hepatitis C.
Automated Maximum Sensitivity And Phase Margin Specification Attainment In Pi Control
Authors: Crowe J. , Johnson M. A. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe prevailing industrial and academic autotune paradigm uses the relay experiment to find the ultimate data of an unknown system, followed by the use of this data in PI (D) tuning rules. This paper firstly reviews a novel method of obtaining desired frequency response data‐points of an unknown system which is more accurate and flexible than the relay experiment. The paper then demonstrates how this new identification module can be used in closed loop to automate PI controller tuning to achieve classical robustness specifications. The new algorithm is given along with details of MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation results. The non‐parametric identification method developed by the authors and used in this work is termed the Phase Locked Loop method (PLL). The classical robustness specification to be achieved by the PI controller is a pair of desired maximum sensitivity and phase margin specifications. Conclusions and future research directions close the paper.
Reporting Bias and Information Discrepancy, and Consequences for Volatility in Financial Markets*
Authors: Han Jae Joon 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis paper presents an analytical explanation of price volatility and mispricing in a rational financial market. In the proposed model, specialists might have private interest in manipulating their reports, which can affect the security price. Additionally, traders differ in terms of both rationality and available information. The present study shows that mispricing and price volatility occurs in a rational financial market when specialist reports are incorporated under different trader types. Also analyzed are comparative statics of the magnitude of misreports, the informativeness of the price, and price volatility when the ratio of superior traders to ordinary traders changes. Both price volatility and the potential for extra profit gain by superior traders might increase when they are dominant.
On the Determination of Contract Price in Credit Sales Transaction: Exchange Option Approach*
Authors: Choi Jong Yeon 
Published: September 2010

AbstractConditions for credit sales transactions vary to a great degree depending upon characteristics of the commodity, the buyer, and the seller. In this paper, we analyzed the buyer’s right to return purchased commodities and void his or her financial obligations as an exchange option written by the seller and held by the credit buyer. The value of this exchange option is determined by the value of supplied goods and their volatility, the value of bonds and their volatility, and the correlation between the values of the commodity and the bonds. As a result, this paper was able to derive a model that could explain the impact of: (i) characteristics of the commodities; (ii) characteristics of the buyer; (iii) characteristics of the seller; and (iv) changes in market conditions. Besides the progress stated above, we also derived the necessary condition for both the buyer and the seller to be satisfied in a credit sales transaction. Based on this model, a number of empirical hypotheses were made.