bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annotation: The therapeutic alliance – a significant but neglected variable in child mental health treatment studies
Authors: Green Jonathan 
Published: April 2006

Background:  There has been relatively little research into therapeutic alliance in child and adolescent mental health and virtually no incorporation of alliance measures as a variable in treatment trials in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).Method:  A selective literature review on studies in therapeutic alliance in adulthood and childhood along with a theoretical formulation of possible mechanisms of alliance.Results:  Therapeutic alliance is reliably measurable both by observation and questionnaire methods at all points in the treatment cycle. In both adult and child studies it shows a consistent, albeit modest, association with treatment outcome. In specific adult studies it has shown a high predictive validity in relation to outcome compared to other variables. In child studies alliance is particularly salient in externalising disorder and predicts outcome of inpatient treatment. Child alliance and parental alliance are independent factors. Theoretical models of alliance outlined in this paper suggest testable hypotheses regarding predictors for positive and negative alliance.Conclusions:  Therapeutic alliance in CAMHS is measurable and worth measuring. It is likely to be an important variable for treatment outcome studies and should be included in future trial designs.
Predictors of between‐family and within‐family variation in parent–child relationships
Authors: O'Connor Thomas G. , Dunn Judy , Jenkins Jennifer M. , Rasbash Jon 
Published: April 2006

Background:  Previous studies have found that multiple factors are associated with parent–child relationship quality, but have not distinguished potential sources of between‐family and within‐family variation in parent–child relationship quality.Methods:  Approximately equal numbers of biological (non‐stepfamilies), single‐mother, stepfather, and complex/stepmother stepfamilies were selected from a large community study in England. The sample comprised 404 children in 171 families. Parent–child warmth/support and conflict/negativity were assessed using questionnaire and interview methods; family socio‐demographic data were collected from parent report.Results:  Multilevel model analyses indicated substantial within‐family variation in parent–child relationship quality, and greater within‐family variation in complex/stepmother families compared to other family types. Within‐family variation was largely accounted for by differences in the siblings’ biological relatedness to the mother and father and to child‐specific factors, notably aggressive behavior.Conclusions:  The findings illustrate how research using multilevel model designs and analytic strategies may enhance our understanding of family process.
Physical and emotional development, appetite and body image in adolescents who failed to thrive as infants
Authors: Drewett R.F. , Corbett S.S. , Wright C.M. 
Published: April 2006

Background:  Previous studies suggest that failure to thrive in infancy may be associated with adverse sequelae in childhood. Although cognitive abilities have been extensively investigated, little systematic research is available on other aspects of development.Methods:  Eighty‐nine children who failed to thrive as infants and 91 controls were followed up when twelve years old and examined using anthropometric measurement, self‐ratings of appetite and body image, the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, the Self‐perception Profile for Children, The Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the parent and child form of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and the parent and teacher's form of the Child Behavior Checklist.Results:  The children who failed to thrive were significantly shorter and lighter at twelve and had significantly lower BMIs, but they did not go into puberty any later. They were more likely to rate their appetite as lower than their best friend's, were generally more satisfied with their body shape, and had significantly lower restraint score on the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. They were not significantly different from controls on any of the measures reflecting anxiety, depression or low self‐esteem.Conclusions:  Failure to thrive in infancy is not associated with adverse emotional development in childhood.
Letting the gene out of the bottle: the population genetics of genetically modified crops
Authors: Chapman Mark A. , Burke John M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryGenetically modified (GM) plants are rapidly becoming a common feature of modern agriculture. This transition to engineered crops has been driven by a variety of potential benefits, both economic and ecological. The increase in the use of GM crops has, however, been accompanied by growing concerns regarding their potential impact on the environment. Here, we focus on the escape of transgenes from cultivation via crop × wild hybridization. We begin by reviewing the literature on natural hybridization, with particular reference to gene flow between crop plants and their wild relatives. We further show that natural selection, and not the overall rate of gene flow, is the most important factor governing the spread of favorable alleles. Hence, much of this review focuses on the likely effects of transgenes once they escape. Finally, we consider strategies for transgene containment.ContentsSummary429I.Introduction429II.How do transgenes escape? – Hybridization, gene flow, and introgression432III.Assessing selection on transgenes – costs and benefits434IV.The effects of transgenes – case studies435V.Can we prevent transgene escape?437VI.Conclusions and future directions440Acknowledgements440References440
Soil biota and invasive plants
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O. , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryInteractions between plants and soil biota resist invasion by some nonnative plants and facilitate others. In this review, we organize research and ideas about the role of soil biota as drivers of invasion by nonnative plants and how soil biota may fit into hypotheses proposed for invasive success. For example, some invasive species benefit from being introduced into regions of the world where they encounter fewer soil‐borne enemies than in their native ranges. Other invasives encounter novel but strong soil mutualists which enhance their invasive success. Leaving below‐ground natural enemies behind or encountering strong mutualists can enhance invasions, but indigenous enemies in soils or the absence of key soil mutualists can help native communities resist invasions. Furthermore, inhibitory and beneficial effects of soil biota on plants can accelerate or decelerate over time depending on the net effect of accumulating pathogenic and mutualistic soil organisms. These ‘feedback’ relationships may alter plant–soil biota interactions in ways that may facilitate invasion and inhibit re‐establishment by native species. Although soil biota affect nonnative plant invasions in many different ways, research on the topic is broadening our understanding of why invasive plants can be so astoundingly successful and expanding our perspectives on the drivers of natural community organization.

Contents

Summary
445

I
Introduction
446

II
Soil community effects
446

III
Soil‐borne antagonists
451

IV
Soil‐borne mutualists
452

V
Conclusion
454

Acknowledgements
454

References
454
Re‐evaluation of serum alanine aminotransferase upper normal limit and its modulating factors in a large‐scale population study
Authors: Kariv Revital , Leshno Moshe , Beth‐Or Anat , Strul Hana , Blendis Laurie , Kokia Ehud , Noff Dina , Zelber‐Sagie Shira , Sheinberg Bracha , Oren Ran , Halpern Zamir 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: The upper normal limit (ULN) of serum alanine‐aminotrasferase (ALT) normal range was recently challenged, because patients diagnosed with liver diseases may have ‘normal’ or near‐‘normal’ ALT levels, and because possible modulators are often ignored in determining normal range.Aim: To estimate the ULN for serum ALT and to identify factors modulating it.Subjects and methods: We reviewed medical records of subjects aged 15–90, who underwent standard panels of laboratory tests, including serum ALT, over 6 months at a central laboratory. Three groups were defined: Group 1, comprised total study population (N=272 273). Group 2 (N=87 020) comprised total study population, excluding those receiving potentially hepatotoxic drugs, or diagnosed with liver disease, or had any abnormal laboratory test results other than for triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, or HbA1c. Group 3 (N=17 496) the ‘healthy’ population, from whose ALT values we established the new ULN, comprised Group 2 subjects with normal triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and HbA1c levels.Results: The 95th percentile ALT values, corresponding to the ULN, in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 50.1, 40, and 37.5 U/l, respectively. 6.2% (16 943/273 273) of subjects whose ALT was below ULN listed by the test manufacturer (52 U/l), had ALT level above our new ULN. Linear and logistic‐regression analyses showed that ALT levels were significantly modified by gender, age, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and overweight/obesity diagnosis. Significant interaction was found between gender, glucose and cholesterol levels.Conclusions: In this first large‐scale study of ‘healthy’ population, serum ALT ULN was far lower than currently accepted value. Age and gender may be considered when determining the ULN for ALT.
Novel markers of cell kinetics to evaluate progression from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Quaglia Alberto , Mcstay Mary , Stoeber Kai , Loddo Marco , Caplin Martyn , Fanshawe Thomas , Williams Gareth , Dhillon Amar 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: We investigated cell cycle kinetics of nodular lesions in cirrhosis to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from its precursor lesions.Methods: Twelve small HCC, 10 regenerative (RN), six large regenerative (LRN), and five dysplastic nodules (DN), identified in explant cirrhotic livers of five consecutive patients transplanted at Royal Free Hospital in 2002. Immunoperoxidase for MCM2, geminin and Ki67 was performed and the percentage of positive cells counted.Results: The proportion of cells expressing MCM2 was more than those expressing Ki67, which in turn was more than those expressing geminin (overall median=16%, 2% and 0.5%, respectively, P<0.001). There was a statistically significant trend of increasing Ki67 expression (P=0.006), from RN to HCC; this trend was not statistically significant for geminin (P=0.18) or MCM2 (P=0.51). The median percentage of cells expressing Ki67 was 1% in RN, 0.5% in LRN, 2.2% in DN and 5.4% in HCC. The combination of these markers identified four different cell kinetics patterns: ‘resting’ (G0 cells: MCM2 −ve, Ki67 −ve, geminin −ve); ‘licensed’ (MCM2 +ve, Ki67 −ve, geminin −ve); ‘slowly growing’ (G1 phase arrest, MCM2 +ve, Ki67 +ve, low (0.4%) geminin) and expanding (MCM2 +ve, Ki67 +ve, geminin +ve) nodules.Conclusions: The combination of MCM2, geminin and Ki67 could represent a valuable tool in the understanding of HCC progression in cirrhosis.
Expression pattern of angiogenic factors and prognosis after hepatic resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: importance of angiopoietin‐2 and hypoxia‐induced factor‐1a
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Yang Yubo , Kondo Motoi , Ota Hideo , Nakamura Masato , Yoshioka Shinichi , Kato Hitoshi , Damdinsuren Bazarragchaa , Tang Di , Marubashi Sigeru , Miyamoto Atsushi , Takeda Yutaka , Umeshita Koji , Nakamori Shoji , Sakon Masato , Dono Keizo , Wakasa Kenichi , Monden Morito 
Published: April 2006

Abstract:
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor and angiogenesis plays an important role in its progression. Angiogenesis is regulated by a balance between pro and antiangiogenic molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of angiogenic factors and elucidate their roles in angiogenesis in HCC.Methods: We investigated immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins (Ang‐1 and Ang‐2), hypoxia‐induced factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in 60 specimens of surgically resected HCC. We investigated the relationship between their expressions and clinicopathological factors or prognosis.Results: Ang‐2 staining had a significant correlation with the grade of differentiation of HCC cells (P=0.0082). VEGF and Ang‐2 expression correlated positively with microvessel density (MVD) (P=0.0061 and 0.0374, respectively). MVD of well‐differentiated HCC were significantly lower than those of moderately and poorly differentiated HCC. The disease‐free survival time of patients with high Ang‐2 and/or HIF‐1α expression was significantly shorter than that of the low expression group (P=0.0278 and 0.0374, respectively).Conclusion: Our study showed that the expression of VEGF and Ang‐2 correlated with MVD. Strong Ang‐2 expression and/or high nuclear expression of HIF‐1α is a significant predictive factor for recurrence after curative resection in HCC patients.
Management of spontaneous haemorrhage and rupture of hepatocellular adenomas. A single centre experience
Authors: Erdogan Deha , Busch Olivier R.C. , Van Delden Otto M. , Ten Kate Fiebo J.W. , Gouma Dirk J. , Van Gulik Thomas M. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) may present with spontaneous haemorrhage and rupture. The aim of this study was to assess management in 22 patients treated for haemorrhage and/or rupture of HCA.Patients and methods: Between May 1990 and July 2005, 22 female patients were diagnosed with acute haemorrhage and/or rupture of lesions highly suspicious of HCA. Preoperative imaging diagnostics and pathologic specimens were reviewed.Results: Twelve haemodynamically stable and four unstable patients could be treated conservatively. One patient underwent acute partial liver resection, whereas four patients underwent laparotomy with initial packing of the liver. In one patient, selective embolisation of the left hepatic artery was performed. Fifteen patients eventually underwent resection after a mean time of 8 months after initial treatment. Six patients did not undergo resection and showed no complications or rebleeding after a mean follow‐up of 24.6 months. Only in seven patients, histopathological examination showed HCA, and in one patient, HCA with focal nodular hyperplasia.Conclusion: HCA with haemorrhage and/or rupture does not necessarily require immediate liver resection. Conservative treatment is justified in stable patients. In case of an instable patient with or without hemoperitoneum, laparotomy with packing or selective embolisation can stop the bleeding.
Relationship between oxidative stress levels and activation state on a hepatic stellate cell line
Authors: Guimarães E. L. M. , Franceschi M. F. S. , Grivicich I. , Dal‐pizzol F. , Moreira J. C. F. , Guaragna R. M. , Borojevic R. , Margis R. , Guma F. C. R. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Oxidative stress plays an important role in liver fibrosis. Under pathological conditions, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) undergo an activation process, developing a myofibroblast‐like phenotype from the lipocyte phenotype. In this study, we determined the levels of oxidative stress and proliferation in different activation states of an experimental model of mouse HSC, the GRX cell line. These cells can be induced in vitro to display a more activated state or a quiescent phenotype.Methods/Results: We observed increased oxidative damage and higher levels of reactive oxygen species, measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive species and 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate, respectively, and diminished catalase activity in activated cells. Activation decreased proliferation and increased the number of cells in G2/M. Antioxidants N‐acetylcysteine and Trolox varied in their capacity to correct the oxidative stress and proliferation status.Conclusions: The differences in physiological functions of stellate cell phenotypes suggest a relationship between oxidative stress levels and activation state.
Successful liver transplantation and delivery in a woman with fulminant hepatic failure occurring during the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Jarufe Nicolás , Soza Alejandro , Pérez‐Ayuso Rosa María , Poblete José Andrés , González Robinson , Guajardo Matías , Hernandez Verónica , Riquelme Arnoldo , Arrese Marco , Martínez Jorge 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Severe liver dysfunction occurring during pregnancy is an unusual but dramatic event that poses special technical and ethical issues because it involves two lives.Methods and Results: We report the case of a 35‐year‐old woman with cryptogenic fulminant hepatic failure who underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation at 22 weeks of pregnancy. After a relatively uneventful post‐operative course she delivered a normal offspring at the 27th week of gestation. There were no obstetrical complications and neonatal outcome was excellent. After a year of follow‐up, the patient is doing well,and the newborn has exhibited normal psychomotor and weight/height development.Conclusion: This case illustrates the challenge of treating fulminant hepatic failure during pregnancy and demonstrates that liver transplantation is a feasible therapeutic option for treatment of patients with this condition, allowing successful completion of pregnancy.
Liver protection by hypothermic perfusion at different temperatures during total vascular exclusion
Authors: Dinant Sander , Van Veen Suzanne Q. , Roseboom Hendrik J. , Van Vliet Arlène K. , Van Gulik Thomas M. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Introduction: In
situ hypothermic perfusion (HP) can be applied to attenuate ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury during liver resection under total vascular exclusion (TVE). This study examines the protective effect of cooling by HP at 20 and 28°C as compared with no HP during TVE in a porcine liver I/R model.Methods: Twenty‐one pigs underwent 60 min TVE of the liver followed by 24 h reperfusion. HP was performed via the portal vein using ringerlactate solution of 4°C. Pigs were assigned to three groups: TVE without HP (no‐HP, n=9), TVE with HP at 28°C (HP‐28, n=6) and TVE with HP at 20°C (HP‐20, n=6).Results: Perfusion volumes during TVE were 5.1±0.5 and 17.3±1.7 l in HP‐28 and HP‐20, respectively (P<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) after 24 h reperfusion was 1172±440 U/l in no‐HP as compared with 223±69 and 180±22 U/l in HP‐28 and HP‐20, respectively (P<0.05). No differences in liver function or histopathology were found between the HP‐28 and HP‐20 groups.Conclusions: HP at 20°C is equally effective in preserving liver function and preventing hepatocellular injury under TVE as compared with HP at 28°C. HP at 28°C is advised, because of the lesser perfusion volume necessary for cooling of the liver.
Hyaluronic acid and aspartate aminotransferase levels normalized by liver function can reflect sinusoidal impairment in chronic liver disease
Authors: Testa Emanuela , Malfatti Federica , Milazzo Sara , Cordiviola Cinzia , Cotellessa Tiziana , Marabotto Elisa , Giannini Edoardo , Ceppa Paola , Mamone Mario , Risso Domenico , Testa Roberto 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background/Aim: To evaluate the relationship between hyaluronic acid/aminopyrine breath test (HA/ABT) ratio and fibrosis score in chronic hepatitis, and between HA/ABT and clinical staging (child‐turcotte‐pugh'score, CTP; and model for end stage liver disease, MELD) in cirrhosis, as well as to evaluate the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ABT in relation to the HA/ABT.Methods: We studied 48 patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 35 patients with compensated cirrhosis (CIR).Results: HA/ABT and AST/ABT showed a more significant correlation with the fibrosis score than HA or ABT or AST alone in the 48 CHC patients: r=0.568 (P<0.0001), r=0.610 (P<0.0001), r=0.450 (P=0.0021), r=−0.449 (P=0.0021), and r=0.472(P=0.0012), respectively. Progressive liver damage (fibrosis 1–2 vs fibrosis 3–6 vs cirrhosis) was significantly (P<0.05) reflected by both HA/ABT (mean±SEM: 4.0±0.9 vs 18.1±4.2 vs 149.9±33.1) and AST/ABT (6.3±1.8 vs 12.7±1.6 vs 42.1±14.6). A strong relationship was found between HA/ABT and AST/ABT (r=0.755 P<0.0001). In cirrhotic patients, the most significant relationship was observed between HA/ABT and CTP r=0.483 and P=0.0049, and MELD r=0.523 and P=0.0023.Conclusion: Considering that HA levels in chronic hepatitis depend on the progressive impairment of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC), related to progressive fibrosis, HA/ABT ratio would seem to be the most specific reflection of progressive impairment of the SEC. AST/ABT could be used as a possible surrogate of HA in identifying SEC impairment in chronic hepatitis.
Tumor necrosis factor‐a antisense transfer remarkably improves hepatic graft viability
Authors: Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Yonemitsu Yoshikazu , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Kaneda Yasufumi , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Sugimachi Keizo , Sueishi Katsuo 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Cold ischemia/reperfusion injury of the hepatic graft, an unsolved problem in liver transplantations, is attributed to the release of inflammatory cytokines, especially the tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF) α, from activated Kupffer cells (KC). Therefore, the specific inhibition of TNF‐α could improve the viability of the hepatic graft upon reperfusion.Methods: We assessed the efficacy of TNF‐α antisense (TNF‐AS) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) delivery to KC in a rodent liver transplantation model.Results: Seventy‐one percent of the animals that received 6 hours preserved grafts in baths of lactated Ringer's solution (4°C) and were treated with TNF‐AS survived for over 14 days. Eighty percent of the animals treated with vehicle, sense ODNs, or balanced salt saline (BSS) died. Four hours after reperfusion of the liver, a significant reduction was noted in livers treated with TNF‐AS in the release of cytosolic enzymes from the hepatocytes and the serum TNF‐α (P<0.05). The expressions of TNF‐α on KC and of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 on sinusoidal endothelial cells were completely suppressed in TNF‐AS‐treated livers.Conclusions: TNF‐AS delivery improves the viability of the hepatic graft, and this technique may solve hepatic graft nonfunction in a clinical setting.
PDC‐E3BP is not a dominant T‐cell autoantigen in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: McHugh Anna , Robe Amanda J. , Palmer Jeremy M. , Jones David E. J. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Autoantibody responses reactive with the E2 and E3BP components of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), which characterise primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) crossreact, precluding the identification, from serological studies, of the antigen to which the principal breakdown of tolerance occurs. Although autoreactive T‐cell responses to PDC‐E2 have been well characterised it is, at present, unclear whether T‐cell tolerance breakdown also occurs to PDC‐E3BP. The aims of this study were to characterise autoreactive T‐cell responses to PDC‐E3BP in PBC and potential factors regulating their expression.Methods: Peripheral blood T‐cell proliferative responses to purified recombinant human PDC‐E2 and PDC‐E3BP at a range of concentrations were characterised in PBC patients and control subjects.Results: T‐cell proliferative responses to both E2 and E3BP were absent from control subjects (median peak stimulation index (SI) to PDC‐E2 1.2 [range 0.3–1.9], 0/10 positive (SI>2.32), median peak SI to PDC‐E3BP 1.1 [0.7–2.1]], 0/10 positive). Significant responses to PDC‐E2 were seen in the majority of patients (median peak SI 11.4 [0.4–24.4], 17/20 (85%) positive) but to PDC‐E3BP in only a minority (median peak SI 1–9 [0.6–9.95], 8/20 (40%) positive). Where responses to PDC‐E3BP were seen they were universally secondary to responses to PDC‐E2.Conclusions: Despite the presence of antibodies reactive with PDC‐E3BP in the majority of PBC patients this self‐protein is not a dominant T‐cell autoantigen in PBC.