bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications
Authors: Baccarani Umberto , Isola Miriam , Adani Gian L. , Avellini Claudio , Lorenzin Dario , Rossetto Anna , Currò Giuseppe , Comuzzi Chiara , Toniutto Pierluigi , Risaliti Andrea , Soldano Franca , Bresadola Vittorio , De Anna Dino , Bresadola Fabrizio 
Published: October 2009

Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, Avellini C, Lorenzin D, Rossetto A, Currò G, Comuzzi C, Toniutto P, Risaliti A, Soldano F, Bresadola V, De Anna D, Bresadola F. Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01128.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Background:  Despite recent advances in organ preservation, immunosuppression, and surgical techniques, the biliary tree is still considered the Achilles’ heel of liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the incidence of biliary complications and identify risk factors that might predispose to the development of biliary problems.Methods:  From January 2004 to December 2007, 117 consecutive liver transplantations were retrospectively analyzed for the development of biliary complications by the review of medical records. Patients were divided into group 1 with biliary complications (n = 43) and group 2 without biliary complications (n = 74).Results:  The overall biliary complication rate was 36.8% (leakage 6% and stricture 30.8%). Univariate analysis indicated that significant predictors of biliary complications were the time interval between portal and arterial reperfusion (p = 0.037) and macrovacuolar steatosis of the graft > 25% (p = 0.004). Stepwise logistic regression model demonstrated that a macrosteatosis of the graft > 25% (OR = 5.21 CI 95% [1.79–15.15], p = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor predicting biliary complications after liver transplantation. No differences in patient’s and graft’s survival were noted between the two groups.Conclusion:  According to our experience, transplanting a liver with > 25% of steatosis is a risk factor for the development of biliary complication.
Hypermethylation of HLA class I gene is associated with HLA class I down‐regulation in human gastric cancer
Authors: Ye Q. , Shen Y. , Wang X. , Yang J. , Miao F. , Shen C. , Zhang J. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Down‐regulated expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules in many human cancers facilitate tumor cells to escape from immune attack. Promoter hypermethylation, one of the major epigenetic changes responsible for gene inactivation, plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. This study evaluated the expression and alteration of HLA class I molecules in a panel of 47 pairs of gastric cancer specimens with their noncancerous parts from Chinese patients by using immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) analysis. The expression of HLA‐A, HLA‐B/C and HLA class I complex was lost or down‐regulated in human gastric cancer. The percentage of promoter methylation was 59.57% for HLA‐A gene, 55.32% for HLA‐B gene and 48.94% for HLA‐C gene in gastric cancer, while it was decreased to 19.15%, 12.77% and 6.38% in the adjacent nontumor tissues, respectively. Seven of 10 (70%), 4 of 6 (66.7%) and 3 of 4 (75%) gastric cancer specimens with promoter hypermethylation at HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C loci showed transcriptional inactivation of HLA‐A,‐B and ‐C genes, suggesting an association between promoter hypermethylation and down‐regulated expression of HLA class I molecules. Human gastric cancer cell line BGC‐823 showed HLA‐A down‐regulation with promoter methylation of HLA‐A locus. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor restored the expression of HLA‐A mRNA and surface HLA‐A complex. Thus, our results showed that promoter hypermethylation might be one of the mechanisms that lead to HLA class I antigen down‐regulation in gastric cancer.
Nuclear factor‐kappa B as a promising target for selenium chemoprevention in rat hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar Y , Budin Siti B , Mohamed Jamaludin , Alhamdani Aisha 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Selenium's molecular mechanism for cancer chemoprevention remains unknown. We aimed to study the gene expression of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), tumor growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) and cyclin D1 and the effects of sodium selenite using preventive and therapeutic approaches in chemically‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.Methods:  Rats were divided randomly into six groups: negative control, positive control (diethyl nitrosamine [DEN] + 2‐acetylaminofluorene [2‐AAF]), preventive group, preventive control (respective control for preventive group), therapeutic group and therapeutic control (respective control for therapeutic group). The relative gene expression of NF‐κB, TGF‐α and cyclin D1 in liver tissues were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  The findings showed that the gene expression of NF‐κB in the preventive group and its respective control was significantly lower (P < 0.05) when compared with both the negative and positive controls. However, the expression of NF‐κB in the positive controls and therapeutic group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared with the negative controls. The expression of TGF‐α and cyclin D1 was insignificant in all groups.Conclusion:  The inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway in the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis could be a promising target for selenium chemoprevention. However, further studies are required.
Efficacy of switching to entecavir monotherapy in Japanese lamivudine‐pretreated patients
Authors: Suzuki Fumitaka , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Yatsuji Hiromi , Sezaki Hitomi , Arase Yasuji , Hirakawa Miharu , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Saitoh Satoshi , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Mariko , Watahiki Sachiyo , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  To assess the efficacy of switching Japanese chronic hepatitis B patients from lamivudine monotherapy to entecavir 0.5 mg/day.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted on 134 patients switched to entecavir between September 2006 and February 2008 for 6 months or more. Patients were divided into three groups based on viral load at entecavir switching point (baseline < 2.6, 2.6–5.0 and > 5.0 log10 copies/mL).Results:  At baseline, detection of lamivudine‐resistant virus was highest in patients with higher hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (76% vs 23% in ≥ 2.6 and < 2.6 log10 copies/mL, respectively), and in patients with longest previous exposure to lamivudine (52%, 28% and 24% for > 3 years, 1–3 years and < 1 year, respectively). Two years after entecavir switching, HBV DNA suppression to less than 2.6 log10 copies/mL was achieved in 100% (32/32), 92% (12/13) and 44% (4/9) of patients in the less than 2.6, 2.6–5.0 and more than 5.0 log10 copies/mL baseline groups, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization occurred in 76–96% and 90–100% of patients following 1 and 2 years of entecavir treatment, respectively. One patient (2.6–5.0 log10 copies/mL) with lamivudine‐resistant mutants at baseline developed entecavir resistance at week 48 during follow up.Conclusion:  Switching to entecavir 0.5 mg/day achieves or maintains undetectable HBV DNA levels and ALT normalization over 2 years, especially in patients with viral load less than 5.0 log10 copies/mL.
UK health professionals' attitudes and knowledge regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: A West Yorkshire Study
Authors: Hopkins Tom G , Wood Nick J , West Robert M , Darling Jonathan C 
Published: October 2009

Aim:  To investigate the willingness of clinicians to recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, the strength of support for a national HPV vaccine programme and to determine which factors, if any, affected these.Methods:  An online, invitation‐only questionnaire was developed and distributed to three medical professional groups in the West Yorkshire Region, United Kingdom.Results:  Two hundred twenty‐two responders were included in the final analysis, from the followingspecialties: general practice (62), paediatrics (103) and obstetrics and gynaecology (57). The majority of doctors were in favour of an National Health Service‐funded national vaccination programme. Over 90% supported vaccination of girls as early as ages 11–13. Fewer doctors felt comfortable recommending vaccination to parents of girls under 16 than to young women. Latent class analysis demonstrated that doctors' self‐rated knowledge of the HPV vaccine was an important determinant of willingness to recommend vaccination. Younger, more recently qualified doctors were less likely to be willing to recommend vaccination.Conclusions:  There is widespread support for vaccination. Information provision to doctors will be important in maximising clinician confidence in recommending vaccination, and may be most beneficial when targeted at more junior doctors.
Quality of care at the end of life in children with cancer
Authors: Heath John A , Clarke Naomi E , McCarthy Maria , Donath Susan M , Anderson Vicki A , Wolfe Joanne 
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Current Australian guidelines for the provision of paediatric palliative care highlight the importance of services being focused on the needs of the child and family. We aimed to establish parents' level of satisfaction with the quality of care currently being provided to children dying of cancer.Methods:  We interviewed 96 parents of children who died of cancer in Melbourne, Australia between 1996 and 2004 to ascertain how they rated the care provided to their child during the end‐of‐life period.Results:  A majority of parents were satisfied with the care provided by their primary oncologist, local doctors, palliative care services and home‐care nurses. Most parents felt that discussions about key medical and treatment decisions were appropriate and clearly understood. Parents were generally satisfied with the leadership roles undertaken in decision‐making in the end‐of‐life period; however, parents who were not satisfied indicated that they would like additional involvement of their primary oncologist.Conclusions:  Current approaches to end‐of‐life care in children with cancer appear to be satisfactory. The main focus should continue to be on open and honest communication.
SCAPULAR SHAPE AND PRIMATE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: ASHTON E. H. , OXNARD C. E. , SPENCE T. F. 
Published: October 2009

Certain quantitative features of the primato scapula bear no obvious mechanical relevance to such functions of the bone as are known to be significant in the employment of the forelimb during progression. Statistically these “residual” features are but weakly correlated with those of established locomotor significance and do not show a correspondingly regular pattern of contrast between Primates in different locomotor categories.These features would, therefore, appear not to be adapted to locomotor function. Consequently, unless they have other functional significance or are linked genetically with other adaptive characters, their parallel variation may indicate genetic relationship. Thus, residual metrical features of this type may be of significance in primate classification. This is in contrast to features of proved locomotor significance whose concurrent appearance in several groups probably represents the result of parallel selection acting in unrelated species.Eight such features examined in thirty genera (covoring most of the primate order) differentiate significantly between genera within subfamilies and somewhat fewer features differentiate between the components of progressively higher taxonomic groups. But the degree of overlap between genera is such as to minimize the value of individual dimensions in classifying an unknown specimen. It would, however, seem likely that the combination of these dimensions by multivariate techniques might effect a more efficient separation of forms within the primate order.
THE TEETH OF HYPOGEOPHIS ROSTRATUS (AMPHIBIA, APODA) AND TOOTH STRUCTURE IN THE AMPHIBIA
Authors: LAWSON R. 
Published: October 2009

The bipartite nature of the tooth has been recently used to demonstrate the close relationship between the three existing groups of Amphibia. However, Considerable doubt has remained as to the composition of the two parts of the tooth and the way in which they are linked.It order to clearify the position the teeth in Hypogeophis were examined. It is clear that the bulk of the crown and the pedicel is composed of dentine which is produced by a continuous layer of odontoblasts. This layer of cells is also responsible for the formation of the fibrous ring which joins the two portions of the tooth. This ring is regarded as an area where the odontoblasts produce fibres and little or no matrix.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF THE MARINE LEECHHEMIBDELLA SOLEAE
Authors: LLEWELLYN L. C. 
Published: October 2009

The biology of the marine leechHemibdella soleaewas studied. It was found that multiple infections were common, the leeches being attached by the posterior sucker to spines on the ctenoid scales of the upper surface of the sole. It was observed that in aqqaria they change position every few days, tending to migrate antoriorly and this orientation may perhaps be directed by the arrangement of the scales.Cocoons, which are not deposited at 8d̀ C or below, are attached to the shell fragments with which the soles camouflage themselves and the young leeches hatch after about forty‐one days at 17d̀ C. Leeches reach maturity about twenty‐three days after finding a host and are fully grown after a further fortnight.BritishHemibdellaseem to be confuned toSoleu soleaalthough several other hosts (All Soleidae) have been recorded for this leech in the Mediterranean.
THE ROLE OF DETRITUS IN THE NUTRITION OF TWO MARINE DEPOSIT FEEDERS, THE PROSOBRANCH HYDROBIA ULVAE AND THE BIVALVE MACOMA BALTHICA
Authors: NEWELL RICHARD 
Published: October 2009

Observation on the shore show that the density of the population of the prosobranch Hydrobia ulvae and of the bivalve Macoma balthica at Whitstable varies considerably With the grade of deposit, dense populations being found in fine deposits and sparse populations in coarse deposits. From laboratory experiments it seems probable that these animals feed by abstracting proteins, which can be assessed as nitrogen, from the bodies of microorganisms in the deposits and that the micro‐organisms are more abundant in fine deposits than in coarse ones.As a result of these conclusions it is suggested that the rapid increase in population density of Hydrobia ulvae and Macoma balthica, and by inference of other deposit‐feeders, towards regions of fine‐grained deposits is attributable to the increase in density of the micro‐organism population. this, in turn, is related to the surface area of the deposits rather than to the abundance of organic debris.Finally, the nature of detritus is discussed and it is recommended that this term is replaced by “organic debris”.
THE FOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES OF THE CENTIPEDES LITHOBIUS VARIEGATUS AND LITHOBIUS FORFICATUS IN A YORKSHIRE WOODLAND
Authors: LEWIS J. G. E. 
Published: October 2009

Lithobius variegatus and L. forficatus occupy similar ecological niches and frequently occur together although there are differences in their distribution in the British Isles. An investigation of their food and reproductive cycles, being a preliminary step towards a further understanding of their ecological relationships, is described.Lithobiomorph centipedes have hitherto been regarded as wholly carnivorous, but it is shown that these species feed on litter as well as small litter animals, the presence of litter in the guts of these species not being connected with the presence of animal remains. Whereas L. forficatus takes litter throughout the year, L. variegatus does so mainly in the winter.Both species appear to lay eggs for a considerable part of the year, though there appears to be only a short period of sperm transfer in spring. It is suggested that the long oviposition period may prevent the loss of the entire brood in a dry summer. The succession of epimorph stadia in L. variegatus is described. L. forficatus was more common than L. variegatus in the drior part of the woods studied.
PREDATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON MIGRATION AND SPECIATION IN AFRICAN FISHES: A COMMENT
Authors: FRYER GEOFFREY 
Published: October 2009

Contrary to a recently expressed view very little factual evidence has been brought forward to support the idea that predatory fishes, and especially Lates and Hydrocynus, have had restrictive effects on speciation among other African freshwater fishes. A considerable body of data supports the view that the effects of these fishes do not differ from those of other predators and that predation has facilitated speciation. Further reasons why Lates and Hydrocynus cannot be considered as having effects different from those of other predators are given.The situation in lakes containing these predators is reconsidered. There is no need to attempt to minimize their effects in Lake Tanganyika where their presence and effects are fully compatible with the existence of a rich endemic fauna. The situation in Lakes Albert and Rudolf is more satisfactorily explained by the brief duration of the existence of the present‐day lakes and by their recent invasion by a fully differentiated Nilotic fauna, than by imagining that Lates and Hydrocynus have restricted speciation.The suggestion that Lates and Hydrocynus were responsible for the inception of the habit of upstream migration for purposes of spawning is discredited, and what seem to be more probable reasons for the phenomenon are given.
Rab3a interacting molecule (RIM) and the tethering of pre‐synaptic transmitter release site‐associated CaV2.2 calcium channels
Authors: Wong Fiona K. , Stanley Elise F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBiochemical and physiological evidence suggest that pre‐synaptic calcium channels are attached to the transmitter release site within the active zone by a molecular tether. A recent study has proposed that ‘Rab3a Interacting Molecule’ (RIM) serves as the tether for CaV2.1 channels in mouse brain, based in part on biochemical co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) using a monoclonal antibody, mRIM. We previously argued against this idea for CaV2.2 calcium channel at chick synapses based on experiments using a different anti‐RIM antibody, pRIM1,2: while staining for the two proteins co‐localized and co‐varied at the transmitter release face, consistent with an association, they failed to co‐IP from a synaptosome membrane lysate. RIM is, however, a family of proteins and we tested the possibility that the mRIM antibody used in the more recent study identifies a particular channel‐tethering variant. We find that co‐immunostaining with mRIM and anti‐CaV2.2 antibody neither co‐localized nor co‐varied at the transmitter release face and the two proteins did not co‐IP, arguing against a common protein complex and a key CaV2.2 scaffolding role for RIM at the active zone. The differing results might be reconciled, however, in a model where a RIM family member contributes to a protein bridge that anchors the pre‐fusion secretory vesicle to the calcium channel protein complex.
Retrospective Analysis of Long‐term Lipid Apheresis at a Single Center
Authors: Koziolek Michael J , Hennig Ulrich , Zapf Antonia , Bramlage Carsten , Grupp Clemens , Armstrong Victor W , Strutz Frank , Müller Gerhard A 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe retrospectively analyzed 10 906 lipid apheresis sessions (heparin‐induced lipoprotein precipitation, direct adsorption of lipoproteins, double filtration plasmapheresis, dextran sulfate adsorption, and immunoadsorption) in 38 patients who were consecutively treated in our department during the last 20 years. The incidences of major cardiovascular events (MACE) (death, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, limb amputation, and renal vascular involvement) were taken separately as primary end‐points or as a combined end‐point. The time‐course of secondary end‐points (coronary and extracranial status of arteries, left ventricular function, occlusive artery disease, and calculated glomerular filtration rate [cGFR]) were also evaluated, as well as the extent of the reduction in plasma lipids and lipoproteins and the incidence of therapy associated side‐effects. MACE decreased from 7.02% events per patient per year at the start of lipid apheresis to 1.17% during lipid apheresis and the rate of myocardial revascularization decreased from 22.8% to 3.8% per patient per year. Classical (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and smoking history), as well as novel risk factors (cGFR < 60 mL/min, statin withdrawal, mixed hyperlipoproteinemia, and elevated lipoprotein (a)) were associated with an elevated risk for MACE. All applied methods had comparable effects. All lipid apheresis methods proved to be safe and suitable for long‐term treatment. The present data demonstrate that treatment with lipid apheresis is very effective and leads to long‐term reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
Genetic control of invasive plants species using selfish genetic elements
Authors: Hodgins Kathryn A. , Rieseberg Loren , Otto Sarah P. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInvasive plants cause substantial environmental damage and economic loss. Here, we explore the possibility that a selfish genetic element found in plants called cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) could be exploited for weed control. CMS is caused by mutations in the mitochondrial genome that sterilize male reproductive organs. We developed an analytical model and a spatial simulation to assess the use of CMS alleles to manage weed populations. Specifically, we examined how fertility, selfing, pollen limitation and dispersal influenced extinction rate and time until extinction in populations where CMS arises. We found that the introduction of a CMS allele can cause rapid population extinction, but only under a restricted set of conditions. Both models suggest that the CMS strategy will be appropriate for species where pollen limitation is negligible, inbreeding depression is high and the fertility advantage of females over hermaphrodites is substantial. In general, spatial structure did not have a strong influence on the simulation outcome, although low pollen dispersal and intermediate levels of seed dispersal tended to reduce population extinction rates. Given these results, the introduction of CMS alleles into a population of invasive plants probably represents an effective control method for only a select number of species.