bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved graft function in liver‐transplanted patients after partial splenic embolization: reversal of splenic artery steal syndrome?
Authors: Bárcena Rafael , Moreno Ana , Foruny José Ramón , Moreno Alberto , Sánchez Juan , Gil‐Grande Luis , Blázquez Javier , Nuño Javier , Fortún Jesús , Rodriguez‐Gandía Miguel Angel , Otón Elena 
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Aim:  To describe the functional effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) in liver‐transplanted (LT) patients with hypersplenism and hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence.Patients and methods:  From May 2002 to May 2005, five LT patients with persistent hypersplenism, viral recurrence and graft dysfunction underwent PSE prior to pegylated interferon/ribavirin (peg‐IFN/RBV).Results:  The mean splenic size was 19.5 cm (16–21) and there was evidence of an enlarged splenic artery (10.7 ± 1 mm). PSE produced a median splenic infarction of 90% and a significant reduction in the splenic artery diameter to 5.8 ± 0.4 mm (p = 0.04). PSE significantly improved hematologic parameters, bilirubin levels, prothrombin activity, international normalized ratio and the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score despite high HCV‐RNA (6.2 log10 IU/mL). It was demonstrated histologic amelioration of ischemic changes in all subjects. PSE allowed the safe use of full‐dose peg‐IFN plus RBV in all subjects.Conclusions:  In HCV LT patients with chronic graft dysfunction and cholestasis the improvement in the liver function following PSE might be due to the reversal of an undiagnosed splenic artery steal syndrome related to chronic hypersplenism masked by HCV recurrence.
The contribution of HLA class I and II alleles and haplotypes to the investigation of the evolutionary history of Tunisians
Authors: Hajjej A. , Kâabi H. , Sellami M. H. , Dridi A. , Jeridi A. , El borgi W. , Cherif G. , Elgaâïed A. , Almawi W. Y. , Boukef K. , Hmida S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe frequencies of HLA class I and class II alleles and haplotypes of 104 healthy unrelated Tunisians were analyzed by high‐resolution PCR‐reverse dot blot hybridization, and was compared with other Mediterranean and Sub‐Saharan Africans using genetic distances measurements, Neighbor‐joining dendrograms, correspondence, and extended haplotypes analysis. The most frequent HLA class I A alleles were A*02, A*24, and A*30, while the most frequent B alleles were B*44, followed by B*50, B*51, and B*07. Among HLA class II DRB alleles analyzed, the most frequent were DRB1*0301, DRB1*0701, DRB1*1501, followed by DRB1*1303 and DRB1*0102; for DQB1, they were DQB1*0301 and DQB1*0201. Three‐locus haplotype analysis revealed that A*03‐B*07‐DRB1*1503 and A*02‐B*44‐DRB1*0402 were the most common HLA class I and II haplotypes in this population. Compared with other communities, our result indicate that Tunisians are very related to North Africans and Western Europeans, particularly Iberians, and that Tunisians, Algerians, and Moroccans are close to Berbers suggesting little genetic contribution of Arabs who populated the area in 7th to 8th century AD. The similarities and differences between Tunisians and neighboring and related communities in HLA genotype distribution provide basic information for further studies of the MHC heterogeneity among Mediterranean and North African countries, and as reference for further anthropological studies.
Hybrid cells formed by fusion of Epstein – Barr virus‐associated B‐lymphoblastoid cells and either marrow‐derived or solid tumour‐derived cell lines display different co‐stimulatory phenotypes and abilities to activate allogeneic T‐cell responses in vitro
Authors: Cywinski A. L. , Dunnion D. J. , Teobald I. , Tucker V. C. , Browning M. J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA panel of stable cell hybrids was generated by fusing a range of marrow‐derived and solid tumour‐derived human cell lines with the B‐lymphoblastoid cell lines, HMy2 or KR4, and expression of immunologically relevant accessory and co‐stimulatory molecules, and ability to stimulate allogeneic T‐cell responses in vitro was investigated. Hybrid cell lines generated from three marrow‐derived tumour cells consistently expressed both MHC class I and class II molecules, a range of accessory and T‐cell co‐stimulatory ligand molecules, including CD80 and CD86, and directly stimulated markedly enhanced T‐cell proliferative responses in vitro, as compared with the parent tumour cell lines. The responses were blocked by addition of CTLA4‐Ig fusion protein to the cultures, indicating a role of CD28/B7 interaction in induction of T‐cell activation. By contrast, hybrid cells derived from three solid tumours only expressed MHC class II when the parent tumour cell line expressed MHC class II and consistently failed to express CD80 or CD86. These hybrid cells also stimulated greater T‐cell proliferative responses in vitro than the parent tumour cell lines, although effective co‐stimulation depended on the presence of responder non‐T cells in the cultures. The expression of co‐stimulatory ligand molecules and ability to directly stimulate strong allogeneic T‐cell responses correlated with the EBV latency type of the hybrid cells. These data suggest that phenotypic and functional differences in fusion cells of professional antigen‐ presenting cells and tumour cells arise as a result of the parent tumour cell type.
Diversity of human leukocyte antigen‐B27 alleles in Han population of Hunan province, southern China
Authors: Ma H‐J. , Hu F‐P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study was to investigate the frequency of HLA‐B27 and its subtypes in the Han population of Hunan province, southern China. One hundred and sixty‐nine healthy unrelated donors were tested for HLA‐B27 by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP). One hundred and twenty‐eight B27‐positive spondyloarthropathy patients and 18 B27‐positive healthy controls were subtyped using the high‐resolution PCR‐SSP. The phenotype frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 was found to be 2.36% in healthy population. Five B27 alleles were identified: B*2704, B*2705, B*2706, B*2707, and B*2724. No significant difference was found in the distribution of HLA‐B27 subtypes between the patients and controls studied. Notably, B*2724 was observed in a juvenile patient with ankylosing spondylitis. This subtype has not been previously reported in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and other ethnic groups.
Four novel human leukocyte antigen‐DQA1 alleles identified in the Korean population
Authors: Lee K. W. , Jung Y.‐A. , Oh D. H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFour novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQA1 alleles have been characterized by direct DNA sequencing of coding exons 1–4. All the novel alleles exhibited a single nucleotide substitution either in exon 3 or in exon 4 when compared with previously defined alleles. Thus, it is likely that alleles were generated by point mutation from pre‐existing alleles in the population. Substitutions resulted in either a silent (DQA1*010203) or an amino acid change (DQA1*0506, DQA1*0507, and DQA1*0508). The substituted sites were both previously known polymorphic and conserved positions. Putative haplotypes associated with the novel alleles were deduced based on the HLA types shared by the individuals carrying a novel allele or from previously reported population data.
Porphyromonas gingivalis survives within KB cells and modulates inflammatory response
Authors: Eick S. , Reißmann A. , Rödel J. , Schmidt K.‐H. , Pfister W. 
Published: July 2006

Background/aims:  The purpose of the study was to investigate the intracellular survival of Porphyromonas gingivalis as a possible mechanism for maintaining periodontitis.Methods:  P. gingivalis strains, the strain ATCC 33277 and seven clinical isolates, were co‐cultured with KB cells. The number of intracellular bacteria was determined up to 3 days after infection. In addition, the numbers of KB cells per well, the concentrations of the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the arginine‐specific amidolytic activity were measured. The 16S rRNA of P. gingivalis and the mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α and rgpA were also determined.Results:  All the P. gingivalis strains studied were able to survive within KB cells. In contrast to the reduced values of colony‐forming units at day 3, equal and higher levels of 16S rRNA were seen in comparison to day 0. Arginine‐specific amidolytic activity declined in all samples during infection. Expression of mRNA for rgpA was not found after infection of KB cells by P. gingivalis strains. IL‐8 was detectable in all samples 2 days after infection with P. gingivalis strains. Principal components analysis underlined a correlation between the arginine‐specific amidolytic activity 1 h after infection and both the released IL‐8 and the mRNA expression of IL‐8. Associations were found between the cultivable numbers of intracellular P. gingivalis and the mRNAs of IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α at the day of infection.Conclusion:  The results indicate survival of P. gingivalis within epithelial cells, possibly in a non‐cultivable stage. Invasion into cells modulates the virulence properties of P. gingivalis as well as the inflammatory response of the cells.
Reduced fluid gain during cardiopulmonary bypass in piglets using a continuous infusion of a hyperosmolar/hyperoncotic solution
Authors: Farstad M. , Haugen O. , Kvalheim V. L. , Hammersborg S. M. , Rynning S. E. , Mongstad A. , Nygreen E. , Husby P. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate how a continuous infusion of a hyperosmolar/hyperoncotic solution influences fluid shifts and intracranial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass in piglets.Methods:  Fourteen animals, randomized to the control (CT) group or the hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch (HyperHaes®) (HSH) group, received acetated Ringer’s solution as prime and supplemental fluid. The HSH group received, in addition, HyperHaes® 1 ml/kg/h. After 1 h of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (28 °C) was initiated and continued for 90 min. Fluid balance, plasma volume, tissue water content, acid–base parameters and intracranial pressure were recorded, and protein masses and fluid extravasation rates were calculated.Results:  At the start of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the fluid extravasation rates (ml/kg/min) increased from 0.19 (0.06) to 1.57 (0.71) and 0.19 (0.09) to 0.82 (0.14) in the CT and HSH groups, respectively, with no between‐group differences (P = 0.081) During hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the fluid extravasation rates (ml/kg/min) increased from 0.19 (0.14) to 0.51 (0.10) (P < 0.01) and 0.15 (0.08) to 0.33 (0.08) (P < 0.05), respectively, with significantly lower extravasation rates in the HSH group (P < 0.01). In the HSH group, the total fluid gain during cardiopulmonary bypass decreased by about 50% (P < 0.05) and the tissue water content was significantly lower in the left and right heart as well as in the lungs. The intracranial pressure remained stable in the HSH group, but increased in the CT group.Conclusions:  A continuous infusion of HSH (HyperHaes®) during cardiopulmonary bypass reduced the fluid extravasation rate and the total fluid gain during bypass. No electrolyte or acid–base disturbances were present. The intracranial pressure remained stable in the HSH group.
Ammonium chloride and α‐ketoglutaric acid increase glutamine availability in the early phase of induced acute metabolic acidosis
Authors: Nordgren A. , Karlsson T. , Wiklund L. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Glutamine deficiency in critical illness is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and α‐ketoglutaric acid (α‐KGA) infusions could increase glutamine availability possibly through de novo synthesis in the liver.Methods:  Anesthetized post‐absorptive pigs were allocated to four groups (n = 8). The study groups received either a 4‐h intravenous infusion of α‐KGA, 11.4 μmol/kg/min and NH4+, 9.7 μmol/kg/min (group 1), or α‐KGA, 2.85 μmol/kg/min and NH4+, 46.3 μmol/kg/min (group 2), or α‐KGA, 11.4 μmol/kg/min (group 3), or isotonic saline (control group). Plasma concentrations of glutamine and glutamine exchange in liver, intestine and skeletal muscle were investigated.Results:  Plasma glutamine concentrations in group 1 (58% increase) were greater (P < 0.05) compared with the control group (14% decrease) and group 3 (13% decrease), and in group 2 (91% increase) compared with the control group, group 3 (P < 0.0001) and group 1 (P < 0.05). Intestinal glutamine extractions in group 2 were significantly greater (P < 0.01) compared with all other groups. Neither the liver nor the hind leg increased its release of glutamine. Arterial pH decreased (all P < 0.001) to 7.39 ± 0.01 in the control group, 7.30 ± 0.01 in group 1, 7.19 ± 0.01 in group 2 and 7.35 ± 0.01 in group 3.Conclusion:  Infusions of α‐KGA and NH4Cl, to a pH range of 7.20–7.30, did not enhance hind leg or hepatic glutamine release. The increased plasma concentrations of glutamine were effects of NH4Cl, not α‐KGA, and caused either by de novo synthesis or decreased degradation.
Comparison of malignant potential between serrated adenomas and traditional adenomas
Authors: Song Sang Yong , Kim Young‐Ho , Yu Min Kyu , Kim Jeong Hwan , Lee Ji Min , Son Hee Jung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J , Paik Seung Woon , Rhee Jong Chul 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Serrated adenoma is a discrete colorectal epithelial neoplastic lesion that can evolve into colorectal cancer. However, the degree of malignant potential has not been firmly established as yet. The purpose of the present paper was to compare the malignant potential and clinicopathological features between serrated and traditional adenomas.Methods:  A total of 124 serrated adenomas from 116 patients were assessed, and 419 traditional adenomas from 200 were randomly selected. The combination of nuclear dysplasia and serration of ≥20% of crypts was regarded as serrated adenoma. The clinicopathological features of serrated and traditional adenomas were compared, and multivariate analysis performed to confirm whether the malignant potential of serrated adenoma was similar to that of traditional adenoma.Results:  The differences in age, sex, total number of adenomas, and synchronous lesions including adenoma with high‐grade dysplasia and carcinoma between subjects with and without serrated adenoma were not significant. Serrated adenomas were more frequently located in the rectum and sigmoid colon (P < 0.001), and the average size of serrated adenomas was greater than that of traditional adenomas (P < 0.05). The incidence of malignant lesions including high‐grade dysplasia and carcinoma in serrated adenomas was found to be lower than in traditional adenomas (3.2% vs 9.3%, P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, adenoma type and polyp size constituted the risk factors for the incidence of high‐grade dysplasia and carcinoma.Conclusions:  Serrated adenoma is a premalignant lesion, but it has a lower potential for the development of malignancy than traditional adenomas.
Urokinase plasminogen activator stimulates function of active forms of stromelysin and gelatinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) in cirrhotic tissue
Authors: González‐Cuevas Jaime , Bueno‐Topete Miriam , Armendariz‐Borunda Juan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  The authors’ previous data support the notion that adenoviral‐driven urokinase plasminogen activator (u‐PA) expression results in reversion of experimental liver cirrhosis. The specific aim of the present study was to decipher the mechanisms involved in the regulation by endogenous/gene‐delivered u‐PA of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and related proteins engaged in degradation of excessive hepatic connective tissue.Methods:  Tissue slices from cirrhotic rat livers were incubated with u‐PA‐rich supernatants from 24‐h‐cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Matrix metalloproteinase‐2, ‐9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) were detected by western blot and biologic activity. The HSC that discontinued u‐PA production were transfected with the adenovector Adu‐PA and serum‐free supernatants evaluated for proteolytic activity by MMP‐3, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Collagen I, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and TIMP‐1 mRNA levels were also evaluated.Results and Conclusion:  Endogenous u‐PA from cultured HSC significantly induced the active forms of MMP‐2 (68 kDa) and MMP‐9 (78 kDa) in cirrhotic tissue slices. The TIMP‐1 molecular forms demonstrated that u‐PA pushed the presence of ‘free’ TIMP‐1 (not complexed with MMP; 71%) in cirrhotic tissue. When non‐producing u‐PA‐HSC were transfected with adenoviral vector coding for the functional human protein u‐PA (Adhu‐PA), an overactivation of MMP‐3, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 (800%, 48% and 100%, respectively) was found as compared with HSC transfected with control adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein (Ad‐GFP). Finally, gene expression of collagen I, TGF‐β1, PAI‐1 and TIMP‐1 were downregulated by Adhu‐PA action as well.
Rebamipide enema therapy as a treatment for patients with active distal ulcerative colitis
Authors: Furuta Ryuichi , Ando Takafumi , Watanabe Osamu , Maeda Osamu , Ishiguro Kazuhiro , Ina Kenji , Kusugami Kazuo , Goto Hidemi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground: The clinical efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is well‐established. However, prolonged usage of these drugs can result in serious complications. Rebamipide {2‐(4‐chlorobenzoylamino)‐3[2‐(1H)‐quinolinon‐4‐yl] propionic acid}, a cytoprotective agent, has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory activity and to repair mucosal injury in animal colitis models. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel Rebamipide enema therapy in UC patients.Methods: Twenty patients with the active distal type of UC in whom corticosteroid treatment had been unsuccessful were treated with rectal administration of Rebamipide twice a day for 3 weeks, during which corticosteroid dosage was kept constant. The efficacy of treatment was assessed from clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings. The anti‐inflammatory effect of Rebamipide was also examined by monitoring changes in the intensity of histological inflammation and levels of cytokine activity in the rectal mucosa.Results: At 3 weeks after the initiation of Rebamipide enema therapy, 11 patients (55%) achieved clinical remission. Sixteen (80%) were colonoscopically judged to be responders, with decreased levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β but not of IL‐8, and an increased ratio of IL‐1 receptor antagonist/IL‐1β in organ cultures of mucosal tissues. The change in the number of infiltrating neutrophils was not significantly correlated with the clinical response to this therapy. No side‐effects were noted in any patients.Conclusion: Rebamipide enema therapy proved to be safe and useful in corticosteroid‐refractory patients with the active distal type of UC.
Immune response in addicts with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirine
Authors: Sergio Neri , Salvatore Travali , Gaetano Bertino , Davide Pulvirenti , Claudio Italiano , Massimo Libbra , Barbara Mauceri , Giuseppe Abate , Stefano Calvagno , Danila Cilio , Aikaterini Tsami , Luca Ignaccolo , Daniela Callari , Luciano Caruso 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  The role played by the immune system in the progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is not completely clear. Opioids may facilitate the outbreak of infections through marked immunomodulating effects on the immune response against a virus. To asses if addicts can be treated successfully with interferon (IFN) during detoxification treatment, we evaluated some immune response mediators in addicts affected by CHC.Method:  A cohort of heroin users with CHC were enrolled during the detoxification period, divided into two groups and treated with IFN pegilate plus ribavirin (group A treated during methadone administration and group B treated at week 8 after methadone treatment completed). A group of patients with CHC and no history of drug addiction were enrolled as controls. Leukocyte subpopulation NK, CD4+, CD8+ and some cytokines Th1 (IFNγ, interleukin [IL]2) and Th2 (IL‐6, IL‐10) were evaluated prior to, during and after methadone treatment. Sustained virological response was evaluated 24 weeks after antiviral treatment was completed.Results:  During methadone treatment, significantly (P < 0.05) higher cytokine Th1 and NK and lower cytokine Th2 levels were observed in groups A and B compared with levels obtained before treatment in the same groups. Relapse occurred at 56 ± 8 weeks in 34/55 group A patients, at 24 ± 8 weeks in 33/52 group B patients and at 24 ± 4 weeks in group C, there being a significant difference (P < 0.05) between group A and B and between group A and C. No significant differences between all groups were detected in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts.Conclusions:  Our results revealed that drug addicts with CHC can be treated successfully with IFN pegilate and ribavirin. This therapy can be recommended during the early phase of detoxification treatment to achieve a sustained response.
Altered alpha adrenergic vasoresponsiveness in a non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension model of E. coli injection
Authors: Rizvi Moattar Raza , Omanwar Swati , Fahim Mohammad , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Portal hypertension is associated with decreased vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictors, which may contribute to the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Animal models of cirrhosis and portal vein ligation have helped in our understanding of portal hypertension. The etiopathogenesis of non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF), a common cause of portal hypertension, is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of NCPF in a rabbit model.Methods:  An indwelling cannula was inserted into the gastrosplenic vein of rabbits. Animals were randomly injected with saline (Group I, n = 13) or lipopolysaccharide (Group II, n = 13) from heat killed Escherichia coli at 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. Portal pressure was measured at 3 months and vasoresponsiveness studied in isolated aortic rings in intact and in endothelium‐denuded tissues from both groups.Results:  In all group II compared with group I animals, the splenic weight (0.89 ± 0.16 vs 0.62 ± 0.1 g, P < 0.05) and the portal pressure (14.99 ± 0.56 vs 7.04 ± 0.42 mmHg, P < 0.05) were higher at 3 months. The group II animals showed reduced responsiveness to phenylephrine showing maximal contraction of 1.25 ± 0.08 at 10−4 mol/L as compared to 2.85 ± 0.33 g tension in Group I (P < 0.05). Endothelium denudation of aortic rings had no effect on reduced reactivity in Group II animals. Acetylcholine induced an increase in vasorelaxation at lower concentrations in preconstricted aortic rings in Group II compared to Group I animals, but this decreased in higher concentrations. Nifedipine produced comparable vasodilatation in preconstricted rings in both the groups of animals.Conclusions:  Repeated injection of lipopolysaccharide into the gastrosplenic vein leads to the development of portal hypertension. This non‐cirrhotic model of portal hypertension is characterized by generalized arterial hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors akin to other models of portal hypertension.