bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Ep‐CAM in intestinal metaplasia, gastric epithelial dysplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: JOO MEE , KIM HANSEONG , KIM MIN KYUNG , YU HANG JONG , KIM JIN‐POK 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep‐CAM) is widely associated with human carcinomas. However, the expression and distribution of Ep‐CAM in gastric premalignant and malignant lesions are not well known.Method:  We examined the expression of Ep‐CAM in 99 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and associated uninvolved gastric mucosa, 39 cases of gastric biopsy specimens with chronic gastritis (CG) with or without intestinal metaplasia (IM) (25 cases) and gastric epithelial dysplasia (GED) (14 cases) by immunohistochemical staining. In gastric adenocarcinoma, we correlated the results with established prognostic factors, and in IM and GED, with Hepatocyte paraffin 1 (Hep Par 1) expression, introduced as a marker of IM.Results:  Ep‐CAM overexpression was noted in 0% of normal epithelia, 93.9% of IM, 42.9% of GED and 34.3% of adenocarcinoma. The average immunostaining score of normal epithelia, IM, GED and gastric adenocarcinoma was 0.14 (± 0.26), 7.18 (± 1.93), 5.67 (± 2.29) and 4.09 (± 1.89), respectively. There were significant differences among the groups. Ep‐CAM overexpression in adenocarcinoma correlated with Lauren classification and histologic grade, but not with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and p53 expression. Both Ep‐CAM and Hep Par 1 expressions showed excellent correlations with IM (P < 0.0001). Ep‐CAM expression was consistently observed in all cases of GED with a moderate to strong intensity, and Hep Par 1 weakly in 10 out of 14 cases.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that increased levels of Ep‐CAM represent an early event in gastric carcinogenesis, and seem to have a specific relation with the development of IM as a morphoregulatory molecule.
Association of functional gene polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 with the progression of chronic liver disease
Authors: OKAMOTO KINYA , MIMURA KENICHI , MURAWAKI YOSHIKAZU , YUASA ISAO 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis in addition to fibrogenesis. MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms have been shown to influence the transcriptional activity of their respective gene promoter in an allele‐specific manner. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms with the progression of chronic liver disease in the Japanese population.Methods:  We examined 91 patients with HCV‐related chronic hepatitis and 89 patients with HCV‐related liver cirrhosis. We determined MMP‐1 1G/2G, MMP‐3 5A/6A, and MMP‐9 C/T polymorphisms using polymerase‐chain reaction based assays.Results:  In MMP‐1 genotypes, the 2G homozygotes were significantly more in cirrhotic group than in chronic hepatitis group. In MMP‐3 genotypes, there were no significant differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies between chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis groups. However, 5A carriers had a significantly lower age at liver cirrhosis diagnosis and a higher Child–Pugh score compared with the 6A homozygotes. In MMP‐9 genotypes, the C homozygotes and C allele frequencies were significantly more in liver cirrhosis group than in chronic hepatitis group.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms account for some of the variability in the progression of HCV‐related chronic liver diseases.
Neutral lipid isolated from endosperm of Job's tears inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells via apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and regulation of gene expression
Authors: BAO YING , YUAN YAOZONG , XIA LU , JIANG HUA , WU WEIRONG , ZHANG XUEJUN 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  The neutral lipid isolated from the endosperm of Job's tears (NLEJ) has been known to possess an anticancer activity with relatively low toxicity. The present study was designed to examine its antiproliferative effects in the PaTu‐8988 and SW1990 human pancreatic cancer cells and to investigate its potential mechanism(s).Methods:  Pancreatic cancer cells were treated with NLEJ to evaluate cell viability, cell cycle progression, nuclear morphology, DNA fragmentation and annexin V binding analysis. Regulation of gene expression was determined by using cDNA microarrays and western immunoblotting.Results:  The NLEJ induced a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of proliferation in both PaTu‐8988 and SW1990 cell lines. Further studies were carried out with only the PaTu‐8988 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that NLEJ blocked cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase. There was also an increase in annexin V binding and DNA fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis. The cDNA microarray analysis with cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐targeted arrays showed that the expression signals of 24 genes were found to be significantly altered at 24 h of NLEJ treatment. These genes are involved in cell cycle control (e.g. p21, p27, CDK2, and cyclins), apoptosis regulation (e.g. bcl‐2 and bax), and signal transduction (e.g. ATM, RAD50, and p53). Some of these results were confirmed by western blot analysis.Conclusions:  These data show that NLEJ inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest as well as regulation of gene expression in vitro. Therefore, NLEJ might be a chemotherapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori reduced the immunohistochemical detection of p53 and MDM2 in gastric mucosa
Authors: KODAMA MASAAKI , FUJIOKA TOSHIO , MURAKAMI KAZUNARI , OKIMOTO TADAYOSHI , SATO RYUGO , WATANABE KOICHIRO , NASU MASARU 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  Although Helicobacter pylori has been regarded as a pathogen of gastric cancer, the mechanism by which H. pylori is involved in gastric carcinogenesis remains unknown. To clarify the role of H. pylori in carcinogenesis, the expression of tumor suppressor p53 and its regulator multiple double minute 2 (MDM2) in gastric mucosa were examined before and after H. pylori eradication.Methods:  Biopsy specimens were obtained from 31 patients with H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. Endoscopic biopsies were repeated 6 months after successful eradication. In addition, biopsy specimens from 12 patients with non‐infected gastric mucosa were obtained. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the specimens using primary antibodies specific for p53 and MDM2.Results:  Six months after H. pylori eradication, labeling indices for p53 were significantly reduced in the gastric corpus (2.3‐fold; P < 0.01), and in the gastric antrum (2.0‐fold; P < 0.01). Similarly, labeling indices for MDM2 were significantly reduced in the corpus (1.7‐fold; P < 0.01), and in the antrum (3.5‐fold; P < 0.01). In the non‐infected group, labeling indices for p53 and MDM2 in the gastric mucosa were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those of the H. pylori‐infected group.Conclusion:  A significant increase is shown in p53 and MDM2 expression in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa as compared to normal gastric mucosa; but successful eradication of H. pylori dramatically reduced the p53 and MDM2 levels. Therefore, H. pylori infection may be associated with alteration of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Low‐dose rabeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese patients
Authors: WONG WAI MAN , HUANG JIAQING , XIA HARRY HX , FUNG FIONA MY , TONG TERESA SM , CHEUNG KESS L , HO VICKY YK , LAI KAM CHUEN , CHAN CHI KUEN , CHAN ANNIE OO , HUI CHEE‐KIN , LAM SHIU KUM , WONG BENJAMIN CY 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  Rabeprazole in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole (RAM) has been shown to  be  an  effective  second‐line  treatment  of Helicobacter  pylori  infection.  The  effects  were  compared of 7‐day low‐dose and high dose rabeprazole in RAM for the primary treatment of H. pylori infection in Chinese patients.Methods:  Helicobacter pylori‐positive dyspeptic patients were randomized to receive either (i) rabeprazole 10 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (RAM‐10) or (ii) high‐dose rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (RAM‐20), each given twice daily for 7 days. Helicobacter pylori eradication was confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test 5 weeks after stopping medications. Side‐effects of treatments were documented.Results:  A total of 120 patients were eligible for analysis. By intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 83% and 86% in the RAM‐10 group and 75% and 76% in the RAM‐20 group, respectively (P = 0.26 and P = 0.17). Both regimens were well‐tolerated and compliance was >98% in both groups.Conclusions:  Low‐dose rabeprazole in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole is an effective, economical and well‐tolerated therapy for the treatment of H. pylori infection in Chinese population.
Pancreatic carcinoma that completely obstructs the Wirsung duct without dilatation of the main pancreatic duct
Authors: Sugiyama Masanori , Izumisato Yumi , Abe Nobutsugu , Masaki Tadahiko , Mori Toshiyuki , Atomi Yutaka 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Pancreatic carcinomas in which the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is completely obstructed are almost always associated with dilatation of the upstream MPD. However, some carcinomas are not associated with MPD dilatation despite complete MPD obstruction. This paradoxical phenomenon has not been well documented.Methods:  The findings from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in 207 cases of pancreatic head carcinomas were analyzed with special reference to this unique type of carcinoma. Twenty‐five of the patients were found to exhibit no MPD dilatation on ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Results:  Pancreatography via the major papilla showed complete obstruction of the MPD (112 patients with MPD dilatation and 6 without), stenosis (70 and 10, respectively), or no abnormal findings (0 and 9, respectively). In all six patients with complete MPD obstruction but without upstream MPD dilatation, injection of the minor papilla revealed a non‐dilated dorsal pancreatic duct. The size of the obstructive carcinomas with and without MPD dilatation was comparable.Conclusions:  Some (3%) pancreatic head carcinomas are not associated with MPD dilatation despite complete obstruction of the Wirsung duct. In such cases, the Santorini duct drains the dorsal pancreatic duct, completely compensating for the obstructed Wirsung duct. Attention should be paid to this unique type of carcinoma in diagnosing pancreatic head carcinomas.
Predictors of alpha‐fetoprotein elevation in patients with chronic hepatitis C, but not hepatocellular carcinoma, and its normalization after pegylated interferon alfa 2a–ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Ming , Huang Pi‐Teh , Tsai Ming‐Hung , Lin Lien‐Fu , Liu Chung‐Cheng , Ho Ka‐Sic , Siauw Chuan‐Pau , Chao Po‐Liang , Tung Jai‐Nien 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Elevated serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels are noted in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The change in AFP levels after treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (Peg‐IFN/RBV) combination therapy is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of elevated serum AFP in patients with CHC, and its change after Peg‐IFN/RBV therapy.Methods:  A total of 123 patients, intended to receive pegylated interferon alfa‐2a plus ribavirin therapy, were enrolled. Eighty‐three patients had complete treatment and received follow up for and additional 24 weeks. The factors that may affect the elevation of pretreatment AFP and the normalization of post‐treatment AFP were determined.Results:  The mean AFP level was 18.5 ± 63.0 ng/mL (range, 1.3–676.0 ng/mL); 41 (33.3%) of the 123 patients had elevated serum AFP (more than 10 ng/mL) at baseline. A multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.093; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.015–1.177; P = 0.018), more advanced METAVIR fibrosis stage (OR, 5.237; 95% CI, 1.244–22.037; P = 0.024), a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (IU/L) (OR, 1.020; 95% CI, 1.008–1.033; P = 0.001), and lower platelet count (×109/L, OR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.968–0.994; P = 0.003) were independent determinants of pretreatment AFP elevation. After treatment, 72 of 83 (86.7%) cases were found to have normal post‐treatment AFP levels (<10 ng/mL) at the end of follow up (EOF). Post‐treatment negativity of the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA (OR, 10.014; 95% CI, 1.000–100.329; P = 0.050) and the post‐treatment platelet count (×109/L) (OR, 1.025; 95% CI, 1.001–1.050; P = 0.040) were associated with normal AFP at EOF. AFP progressively decreased with significant differences starting from the 12th week after treatment to the end of treatment, and was lowest at the EOF date for the sustained viral response (SVR) group. On the contrary, the non‐SVR group did not have an AFP change during and after treatment.Conclusion:  Older age, low platelet count, higher AST levels, and advanced fibrosis predisposed chronic hepatitis C patients without HCC to have elevated serum AFP levels. After Peg‐IFN/RBV combination therapy, a higher platelet count and HCV viral eradication were determinants of normal AFP at EOF. Serial AFP levels decreased after treatment, presenting in a time‐dependent manner, specifically for the SVR group.
Preservations of nephrin and synaptopodin by recombinant hepatocyte growth factor in podocytes for the attenuations of foot process injury and albuminuria in nephritic mice
Authors: KATO TAKASHI , MIZUNO SHINYA , NAKAMURA TOSHIKAZU 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Podocytes provide a slit diaphragm to inhibit proteinuria, and nephrin between podocytes functions as a barrier during glomerular filtration. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can improve proteinuria in rodents with various renal injuries, but little is known about the role of HGF in podocyte‐based events during glomerulonephritis. In the present study, we examined whether and how nephrin expression is sustained by podocytes during the HGF‐mediated attenuation of albuminuria.Methods:  Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice were used as an animal model of albuminuria. We evaluated the effect of HGF on slit proteins using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Albuminuria occurred 36 h after LPS treatment in mice. This albuminuria did not involve podocyte loss, but was associated with a decrease in nephrin and its key anchor, synaptopodin. In these processes, c‐Met tyrosine phosphorylation, which represented HGF signal activation, occurred in glomerular cells including podocytes. When recombinant HGF was administrated to nephritic mice, c‐Met tyrosine phosphorylation became evident in podocytes. The enhancement of the HGF‐c‐Met signal was associated with increases in nephrin and synaptopodin. An electron microscopic examination revealed that LPS induced the foot process effacement of podocytes, while HGF injections suppressed the foot process injury. Overall, albuminuria was attenuated in the LPS‐treated mice after HGF administration.Conclusion:  HGF protects podocytes from a loss of nephrin, at least in part, through maintaining synaptopodin. As a result, HGF was shown to sustain foot process structure, and albuminuria was attenuated under inflammation.
A critical analysis of health promotion and ‘empowerment’ in the context of palliative family care‐giving
Authors: Stajduhar Kelli , Funk Laura , Jakobsson Eva , Öhlén Joakim 
Published: August 2010

STAJDUHAR K, FUNK L, JAKOBSSON E and ÖHLÉN J. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 221–230 A critical analysis of health promotion and ‘empowerment’ in the context of palliative family care‐givingTraditionally viewed as in opposition to palliative care, newer ideas about ‘health‐promoting palliative care’ increasingly infuse the practices and philosophies of healthcare professionals, often invoking ideals of empowerment and participation in care and decision‐making. The general tendency is to assume that empowerment, participation, and self‐care are universally beneficial for and welcomed by all individuals. But does this assumption hold for everyone, and do we fully understand the implications of health‐promoting palliative care for family caregivers in particular? In this study, we draw on existing literature to highlight potential challenges arising from the application of ‘family empowerment’ strategies in palliative home‐care nursing practice. In particular, there is a risk that empowerment may be operationalized as transferring technical and medical‐care tasks to family caregivers at home. Yet, for some family caregivers, a sense of security and support, as well as trust in professionals, may be equally if not more important than empowerment. Relational and role concerns may also at times take precedence over a desire for empowerment. The potential implications of ‘family empowerment’ are explored in this regard. ‘Family empowerment’ approaches need to be accompanied by a strong understanding of how to best support individual palliative family caregivers.
Applying a realist(ic) framework to the evaluation of a new model of emergency department based mental health nursing practice
Authors: Wand Timothy , White Kathryn , Patching Joanna 
Published: August 2010

WAND T, WHITE K and PATCHING J. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 231–239 Applying a realist(ic) framework to the evaluation of a new model of emergency department based mental health nursing practiceEvaluation has become progressively popular within public health and healthcare programme research, with an emphasis on outcomes and a desire to improve practice and service delivery. Mixed methods approaches are consequently being employed to capture the multidimensional characteristics of programmes that aim to address problematic situations affecting targeted populations. This paper provides an overview of critical realism, a modern philosophical perspective that seeks contextualised causal understandings of social phenomena. Realistic evaluation, a research methodology adapted from critical realism, is highlighted as a means of obtaining a deeper appreciation of how complex programmes work, for whom they work, and under what circumstances. The evaluation of a mental health nurse practitioner outpatient service based in the emergency department of a large teaching hospital in Sydney Australia is used to illustrate the application of a realist perspective to research in nursing practice.
The meaning of middle‐aged female spouses’ lived experience of the relationship with a partner who has suffered a stroke, during the first year postdischarge
Authors: Bäckström Britt , Asplund Kenneth , Sundin Karin 
Published: August 2010

BÄCKSTRÖM B, ASPLUND K and SUNDIN K .Nursing Inquiry2010;17: 257–268 The meaning of middle‐aged female spouses’ lived experience of the relationship with a partner who has suffered a stroke, during the first year postdischargeStroke consequences present a great long‐term challenge to the spouses of the stroke sufferer. A longitudinal study with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach was used to illuminate the meanings of middle‐aged female spouses’ lived experience of their relationship with a partner who has suffered a stroke, during the first year postdischarge. Four middle‐aged female spouses of stroke sufferers participated in the study. Narrative interviews were conducted 1, 6 and 12 month postdischarge (total of 12 interviews), audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim to a text and interpreted by a phenomenological hermeneutic method inspired by Ricoeur. The findings showed a process over time during which spouses come to know, recognize and acknowledge the residual changes in their partners’ cognitive and emotional conditions and the impact on their relationship. Spouses showed grief due to the loss of the marital relationship they once had and anxiety that they would not be able to continue in an undesired relationship in the future. Even if the partner is still alive, there is a loss to grieve and to be understood, an important meaning of the transition process in the relationship during the first year after the partner's discharge.
‘Health equity through action on the social determinants of health’: taking up the challenge in nursing
Authors: Reutter Linda , Kushner Kaysi Eastlick 
Published: August 2010

REUTTER L and KUSHNER KE. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 269–280 ‘Health equity through action on the social determinants of health’: taking up the challenge in nursingReducing health inequities is a priority issue in Canada and worldwide. In this paper, we argue that nursing has a clear mandate to ensure access to health and health‐care by providing sensitive empowering care to those experiencing inequities and working to change underlying social conditions that result in and perpetuate health inequities. We identify key dimensions of the concept of health (in)equities and identify recommendations to reduce inequities advanced in key global and Canadian documents. Using these documents as context, we advocate a ‘critical caring approach’ that will assist nurses to understand the social, political, economic and historical context of health inequities and to tackle these inequities through policy advocacy. Numerous societal barriers as well as constraints within the nursing profession must be acknowledged and addressed. We offer recommendations related to nursing practice, education and research to move forward the agenda of reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Host defence in lung diseases
Authors: WILLIAMS Bryan J. , DEHNBOSTEL Joanne , BLACKWELL Timothy S. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTLung infections caused by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa can present as a spectrum of clinical entities from a rapidly fatal pneumonia in a neutropenic patient to a multi‐decade bronchitis in patients with cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa is ubiquitous in our environment, and one of the most versatile pathogens studied, capable of infecting a number of diverse life forms and surviving harsh environmental factors. It is also able to quickly adapt to new environments, including the lung, where it orchestrates virulence factors to acquire necessary nutrients, and if necessary, turn them off to prevent immune recognition. Despite these capabilities, P. aeruginosa rarely infects healthy human lungs. This is secondary to a highly evolved host defence mechanism that efficiently removes inhaled or aspirated pseudomonads. Many arms of the respiratory host defence have been elucidated using P. aeruginosa as a model pathogen. Human infections with P. aeruginosa have demonstrated the importance of the mechanical barrier functions including mucus clearance, and the innate immune system, including the critical role of the neutrophilic response. As more models of persistent or biofilm P. aeruginosa infections are developed, the role of the adaptive immune response will likely become more evident. Understanding the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa, and the respiratory host defence response to it has, and will continue to, lead to novel therapeutic strategies to help patients.