bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Useful parameters for distinguishing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with mild steatosis from cryptogenic chronic hepatitis in the Japanese population
Authors: Tanaka Naoki , Tanaka Eiji , Sheena Yo , Komatsu Michiharu , Okiyama Wataru , Misawa Noriko , Muto Hidetomo , Umemura Takeji , Ichijo Tetsuya , Matsumoto Akihiro , Yoshizawa Kaname , Horiuchi Akira , Kiyosawa Kendo 
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: As detecting mild steatosis is difficult by abdominal ultrasonography (US), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with mild steatosis may sometimes be confused with cryptogenic chronic hepatitis. We aimed to test this possibility and to isolate factors that may indicate NASH.Methods: First, 53 Japanese patients diagnosed as having cryptogenic chronic hepatitis by laboratory examination and US were enrolled. These patients were histologically divided into NASH and non‐NASH groups, and their clinical features were compared. Second, the diagnostic accuracy of predictors of NASH was examined prospectively.Results: Fifteen patients (28%) were histologically diagnosed as having NASH with mild steatosis. Multivariable analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) and serum ferritin level were independent predictors of NASH. The best cutoff values to detect NASH were assessed by using receiver‐operating characteristic curves: BMI>25.2 kg/m2 and serum ferritin level >142 ng/ml. When both markers were concomitantly negative, the negative predictive value to detect NASH was 100%.Conclusions: In cases of mild steatosis, US is not a perfect tool for the accurate diagnosis of NASH. BMI and serum ferritin level are useful discriminators of NASH from cryptogenic chronic hepatitis, and might be helpful markers for diagnosing NASH more accurately in Japanese patients.
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Resistance to Fluoroquinolones in Helicobacter pylori Strains from Patients Living in Belgium
Authors: Bogaerts Pierre , Berhin Catherine , Nizet Henri , Glupczynski Youri 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  Because of the increasing resistance of Helicobacter pylori against metronidazole and clarithromycin, alternative regimens including newer fluoroquinolones have been developed. We aimed to assess the prevalence as well as the mechanisms of this resistance in clinical isolates originating from patients living in Belgium.Methods:  Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were determined by Etest method on 488 H. pylori isolates originating from patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at 10 different centers. Resistant strains (MIC values > 1 µg/ml) were evaluated for the presence of point mutations in the quinolone resistance‐determining region (QRDR) of the gyrA by amplification and nucleotide sequence.Results:  Eighty‐two (16.8%) of the strains were found resistant to all fluoroquinolones and 70 of these were further analyzed. Homogeneous and heterogeneous resistance were observed in 55 (78.6%) and in 15 (21.4%) of the strains, respectively. QRDR sequencing revealed various mutations of the codons corresponding to Asn‐87 and Asp‐91 in all isolates with homogeneous resistance. However, in 12 of 15 strains displaying heterogenous resistance, mutations were only detected after subcultures of isolated colonies growing within the ellipse inhibition zone of the E‐test. Amino acid substitutions in the QRDR of GyrA could not be directly related with the MIC values of the isolates. Fluoroquinolone‐resistant mutants were easily selected in vitro at frequencies ranging between 10−6 and 10−7. Such selected mutants stably persisted after several serial passage in antibiotic‐free agar.Conclusions:  These results suggest that H. pylori resistance to fluoroquinolones is occurring at a high frequency in the Belgian population and that it is essentially mediated through a variety of point mutations occurring in a few loci of GyrA. As a consequence, we strongly suggest to determine the susceptibility of the infecting isolates to fluoroquinolones before administration of an anti‐H. pylori regimen including these agents.
Urea, Fluorofamide, and Omeprazole Treatments Alter Helicobacter Colonization in the Mouse Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Aristoteli Lina Panayiota , O’Rourke Jani L. , Danon Stephen , Larsson Hakan , Mellgard Bjorn , Mitchell Hazel , Lee Adrian 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. Its urease enzyme allows survival in acid conditions and drives bacterial intracellular metabolism. We aimed to investigate the role of urease in determining the intragastric distribution of Helicobacter species in vivo.Materials and Methods:  The C57BL/6 mouse model of gastritis was used for infection with Helicobacter felis (CS1) or H. pylori (SS1). Urease‐modulating compounds urea and/or fluorofamide (urease inhibitor) were administered to mice over 7 days. Concurrent gastric acid inhibition by omeprazole was also examined. Bacterial distribution in the antrum, body, antrum/body, and body/cardia transitional zones was graded “blindly” by histologic evaluation. Bacterial colony counts on corresponding tissue were also conducted.Results:  Urease inhibition by fluorofamide decreased H. pylori survival in most gastric regions (p < .05); however, there were no marked changes to H. felis colonization after this treatment. There was a consistent trend for decreased antral colonization, and an increase in antrum/body transitional zone and body colonization with excess 5% or 6% (w/v) urea treatment. Significant reductions of both Helicobacter species were observed with the co‐treatment of urea and fluorofamide (p < .05). Collateral treatment with omeprazole did not alter H. pylori colonization patterns caused by urea/fluorofamide.Conclusions:  Urease perturbations affect colonization patterns of Helicobacter species. Combined urea and fluorofamide treatment reduced the density of both Helicobacter species in our infection model.
Comparison of Repair Methods for Ceramic‐Fused‐to‐Metal Crowns
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Van Der Sleen Jeroen M. , Kurunmäki Hemmo , Vallittu Pekka K. 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four repair methods on the fracture load of repaired ceramic‐fused‐to‐metal crowns.
Materials and Methods: Metal‐ceramic crowns were fractured, and the failure load was measured. The fractured metal‐ceramic crowns (n = 9) were assigned randomly to the following treatment groups: (1) hydrofluoric acid (9.5%) etching, (2) air‐particle abrasion (50 μm Al2O3), (3) silica coating (30 μm SiOx), and (4) the application of a layer of glass fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) (thickness: 0.12 mm) on the repair surface. The crowns were repaired with a highly filled resin composite and subjected to 3 repair cycles (n = 27). All specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours and then thermocycled (6000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C). The fracture load values for final failure of intact and repaired crowns were measured with a universal testing machine, and failure types were recorded.
Results: No significant differences ( p > 0.05) were found between the final failure values for the groups treated with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (376 N) and airborne particle abrasion with either Al2O3 (432 N) or SiOx (582 N) followed by silanization, respectively. Significantly, higher ( p < 0.0001) final failure values (885 N) were obtained with the use of the FRC layer when compared with the other repaired groups. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05) between the final fracture load of intact crowns (872 N) and those repaired with FRC (885 N) (One‐way ANOVA with repeated measures, Bonferroni test). No significant difference in fracture loads was found between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd repair cycles (558 N, 433 N, 485 N, respectively). Failure sites were predominantly at the alloy/veneering resin interface in Group 1; Groups 2 and 3 both showed more cohesive failures than Group 1. In the case of FRC, the failure pattern was exclusively cohesive between the two laminates of FRC layer.
Conclusions: The conditioning methods (Groups 1 to 3) of the repair surfaces did not show differences between each other; each resulted in mean fracture loads at lower levels than that of the intact crowns. Addition of an FRC layer increased the fracture load to the level of intact crowns. This suggests that the use of FRC in repairs of metal‐ceramic crowns might be a viable option.
The Effect of Fatigue Damage on the Force Required to Remove a Restoration in a Cement‐Retained Implant System
Authors: Kaar Darian , Oshida Yoshiki , Andres Carl J. , Barco M. Thomas , Platt Jeffrey A. 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the luting agents and retentive forces before and after mechanical stressing.
Materials and Methods: Sample size N was 12 for each group, and 12 Cera‐One closed‐end gold cylinders were cemented with three types of luting cements (ImProv, UltraTemp, and TempBond). The force required to remove the gold cylinders from the abutments was determined with an MTS testing machine. After cleaning and recementing the cylinders, the samples were placed in the housings of an Alabama‐type three‐body wear machine and load of 110 N was applied to the gold cylinders at a frequency of 80 cycles/min for 50,000 cycles. Then each cylinder was pulled from its abutment and the force at which the failure occurred was recorded. The procedure was repeated with 300,000 cycles.
Results: Statistical analysis arising from two‐way ANOVA found that the forces required to remove the abutments were significantly different. The most retentive cement was ImProv. Before cyclic loading, on average, ImProv produced a retentive value 85% higher than that yielded by TempBond, and 25% higher than that of UltraTemp. The three cements were significantly different at each of the three cycle levels.
Conclusions: These results might suggest TempBond luting agent as the material of choice for provisional cementation because it allows easier removal of the prosthesis and maintains enough retention to prevent loosening of the restoration. The clinical implication is that the effect of cyclic load on the strength of the cements is different, an important factor in selection of a cement. ImProv had the highest retentive value before and after the two cycles, and TempBond had the lowest. UltraTemp had the highest percentage of retentive value lost. TempBond had no significant loss under loading even though initially it was the weakest.
Storage of red blood cells with improved maintenance of 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate
Authors: Högman Claes F. , Löf Helena , Meryman Harold T. 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: During storage, red blood cells (RBCs) rapidly lose 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) leading to an increase in the affinity for O2 and a temporary impairment of O2 transport. Recent clinical evaluations indicate that the quality of transfused RBCs may be more important for patient survival than previously recognized.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Glucose‐free additive solutions (ASs) were prepared with sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, adenine, mannitol, and phosphates at high pH, a solution that can be heat‐sterilized. CP2D was used as an anticoagulant. Additional CP2D was added to the AS to supply glucose. RBCs were stored at 4°C and assayed periodically for intracellular pH (pHi), extracellular pH, glucose, lactate, phosphate, ATP, 2,3‐DPG, hemolysis, and morphology.RESULTS: Storage in 175 mL of the chloride‐free, hypotonic medium at a hematocrit (Hct) level of 59 to 60 percent resulted in an elevated pHi and the maintenance of 2,3‐DPG at or above the initial value for 2 weeks without loss of ATP. The addition of 400 mL of storage solution followed by centrifugation and removal of 300 mL of excess solution to a Hct level of 60 to 66 percent further reduced the chloride concentration, resulting in the maintenance of 2,3‐DPG for 4 weeks. Hemolysis was at 0.1 percent at 6 weeks.CONCLUSION: Improvements in the maintenance of 2,3‐DPG were achieved with 175 mL of a chloride‐free storage solution with familiar additives at nontoxic concentrations to increase pHi. Adding, instead, 400 mL of storage solution followed by the removal of 300 mL reduced the chloride concentration, increasing the pHi and extending the maintenance of 2,3‐DPG to 4 weeks.
Development of models and detection methods for different forms of cytomegalovirus for the evaluation of viral inactivation agents
Authors: Jayarama Vasudevacharya , Marcello Jennifer , Ohagen Asa , Gibaja Veronica , Lunderville Douglas , Horrigan Jeff , Chapman John , Lazo Aris 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is transmitted by transfusion of infected blood products and can cause serious diseases in specific risk groups. CMV can be present in infected blood as cell‐free virus (CFV), cell‐associated actively replicating virus (CAV), and cell‐associated latent virus (LV).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In vitro models for all three infectious forms of CMV and virus detection assays based on both tissue culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were developed. The utility of the CMV model systems and assays were tested by validation studies of a novel pathogen inactivation agent, PEN110, for red blood cells.RESULTS: Reproducible high titers of CFV and CAV were obtained by optimized tissue culture techniques for CMV‐infected MRC‐5 cells. An LV model was obtained with CMV‐infected THP‐1 cells and reactivation of virus replication by phorbol ester treatment. The model systems showed that PEN110 treatment is effective against all three forms of CMV as measured by tissue culture–based infectivity assays and a long‐range PCR method specific for detection of damage to CMV viral DNA.CONCLUSION: This study describes model systems to the relevant forms of CMV in blood and detection assays that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of viral inactivation agents.
Clinical experience with a new apheresis filter that specifically depletes ABO blood group antibodies
Authors: Kumlien Gunilla , Ullström Lisbeth , Losvall Anita , Persson Lars‐Gunnar , Tydén Gunnar 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Although living kidney donors are increasingly being used, in most centers, 30 to 40 percent of potential donors are being turned down due to ABO mismatch. A protocol for ABO‐mismatched kidney transplantation without splenectomy and with antigen‐specific adsorption of ABO antibodies instead of nonspecific plasmapheresis was therefore designed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The immunosuppressive protocol used at the Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, together with relevant clinical data for 11 of the studied patients, have been described previously. The protocol called for immunoadsorption of ABO antibodies on Days −6, −5, −2, and −1 and on Days +2, +5, and +8. Patient plasma was recirculated through a new apheresis filter, the Glycosorb ABO column (Glycorex Transplantation AB), containing synthetic terminal trisaccharide A or B blood group antigen linked to a Sepharose matrix.RESULTS: Since 2001, 15 patients, including 2 infants, have been successfully transplanted with ABO‐mismatched kidneys from living donors. The donor‐recipient blood groups were A1‐O (n = 5), A2‐O (n = 2), B‐O (n = 4), B‐A (n = 2), and A1B‐B (n = 2). ABO antibody titers at transplantation did not exceed immunoglobulin G 4 or immunoglobulin M 4 levels. No humoral rejections and no late rebound of ABO antibodies were observed. No adverse effects related to immunoadsorption treatment have been recorded.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that ABO‐mismatched kidney transplantations can be successfully performed without splenectomy and that ABO antibodies can be effectively and safely depleted with the Glycosorb ABO column.
The use of autologous blood to improve exercise capacity after total hip arthroplasty: a preliminary report
Authors: Pilot Peter , Bols Esther M.J. , Verburg Aart D. , Bell Constant A.M.P. , Moonen Adrianus F.C.M. , Van Os Johannes J. , Koolen Jacques J. , Geesink Ruud G.T. , Kuipers Harm 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Venesection of red blood cells in healthy well‐trained subjects decreased the maximum oxygen uptake parallel with the reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) level. Based on the large Hb decrease that is seen after total joint surgery, one could expect a decrease in performance as well. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether autologous blood enhanced performance on a bicycle ergometer in patients after total hip arthroplasty.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine patients scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty in an accelerated stay program participated in a preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) program. Weeks before the scheduled surgery, patients donated 4 units of blood and received standard erythropoietin treatment. Physical fitness was assessed during exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. Each patient was matched with three previously tested patients.RESULTS: Patients in both groups were 69.0 years old (range, 66‐74 years vs. 61‐77 years). None of the patients had relevant cardiovascular abnormalities. On average patients received 3.3 units of blood because 3 units were not transfused. The PABD group showed a Hb decrease of 0.5 g per dL (4%) on the fourth postoperative day versus 4.4 g per dL (31%) in the control group. The decline in power output on Day 4 was significantly less in the PABD group compared with the control group (t test, p = 0.026).CONCLUSION: From this pilot study it can be concluded that correction of the postoperative Hb decrease was associated with a lower decrease in maximum power output, compared to the control group. On Days 23 and 39, however, the difference in performance between the PABD group and control group had disappeared.
Case report and literature review: transient Inab phenotype and an agglutinating anti‐IFC in a patient with a gastrointestinal problem
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Judd W. John , Davenport Robertson D. , Dake Louann R. , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Hue‐Roye Kim , Powell Vivien , Reid Marion 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: The Inab phenotype is a rare deficiency of all Cromer antigens. These antigens are carried on the decay‐accelerating factor (DAF, CD55) molecule that is attached to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Although typically inherited, an acquired and transient form of the Inab phenotype also exists. A patient with the triad of transient Inab phenotype, a direct‐agglutinating anti‐IFC, and gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities is reported.CASE REPORT: An 18‐month‐old boy with gastroesophageal reflux disease requiring a feeding tube, milk and soy intolerance, and severe growth retardation, as well as vision and hearing deficits from cytomegalovirus infection, was identified when pretransfusion testing revealed a potent panagglutinin (titer > 2000 at 4°C). This antibody did not react with Dr(a–) and IFC RBCs, and the autocontrol was negative. The patient’s RBCs lacked CD55 by flow cytometric techniques but had normal levels of CD59 and antigens such as Yta and Emm, carried on GPI‐linked proteins, thus excluding paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Several months after initial detection, the anti‐IFC was virtually undetectable and his cells reacted weakly with anti‐IFC, anti‐Dra, and anti‐CD55. RBCs from the propositus’ parents and brother demonstrated normal CD55 and CD59 expression.CONCLUSION: This is the first example of a direct‐agglutinating anti‐IFC. The cause of the transient depression in CD55 protein (and thus Cromer system antigens) and appearance of anti‐IFC remains unknown, as does the relationship between the patient’s GI system abnormalities and these serologic findings.
Antibodies against glutathione S‐transferase T1 in non–solid organ transplanted patients
Authors: Wichmann Ingeborg , Aguilera Isabel , Sousa José M. , Bernardos Angel , García Núñez Emilio J. , Vigil Eduardo , Magariño Rosario , Magariño Isabel , Torres Antonia , Núñez‐Roldán Antonio 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: This article describes the presence of antibodies against glutathione S‐transferase T1 (GSTT1) in a group of patients who never received a solid organ graft. These antibodies have been previously detected in liver and kidney transplant subjects with donor‐recipient mismatch for this enzyme at the genetic level. In liver‐grafted subjects, the appearance of these antibodies correlated with de novo immune hepatitis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To obtain some insights in this phenomenon, the clinical records of these patients were reviewed, and the possible causes leading to the production of these antibodies and possible clinical consequences were analyzed.RESULTS: The clinical situation of these patients was very heterogeneous, but they had in common the need for transfusions or a previous pregnancy. GSTT1 antigen is present in red blood cells, liver, kidney, and other tissues. Because the presence of the GSTT1‐null allele in seven of these patients has been demonstrated, it can be hypothesized that both GSTT1‐positive transfusions or pregnancy of a GSTT1‐positive fetus could induce these antibodies. Because the recipient is allele‐null, no adverse effects in the host are expected to occur. The longest follow‐up (5 years) shows no antibody‐derived diseases.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that anti‐GSTT1 can appear in a context different from the previously published alloreactivity after liver and kidney transplantation, as a consequence of transfusions and pregnancies. So far, no adverse clinical outcomes in our patients have been observed.
A functional comparison of mature human dendritic cells prepared in fluorinated ethylene‐propylene bags or polystyrene flasks
Authors: Kurlander Roger J. , Tawab Abdul , Fan Yong , Carter Charles S. , Read Elizabeth J. 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Fluorinated ethylene‐propylene (FEP) bags have been used instead of polystyrene (PS) flasks for ex vivo clinical‐scale production of human dendritic cells (DCs) to facilitate closed‐system recovery of these highly adherent cells. To assess the impact of DC culture on this nonadherent surface, the function of DCs generated in FEP and PS was compared.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cell yield, phenotype, cytokine production, migration, and antigen‐presenting activity were measured in DCs prepared from peripheral blood monocytes in FEP bags or PS flasks with medium supplemented with serum, interleukin (IL)‐4, and granulocyte‐macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor for 5 days to induce DC differentiation and CD40L or poly(I:C) plus interferon‐γ to promote maturation.RESULTS: DCs cultured in FEP or PS had comparable cell yield, viability, and CD83 and CCR7 expression. DCs generated in FEP, however, produced significantly less IL‐12 and IL‐10 during maturation, and differences persisted on rechallenge after harvest. FEP‐cultured DCs migrated spontaneously or in response to CCR7 ligand more actively than PS‐cultured DCs, but this difference was not significant. Mature DCs prepared in FEP and PS were equipotent in stimulating peptide‐specific CD8 T‐cell expansion in vitro.CONCLUSION: FEP‐ and PS‐cultured DCs are similar in phenotype and in some functional measures, but FEP markedly reduces DC production of IL‐12 and IL‐10. This phenomenon presumably reflects intracellular changes linked to the absence of a surface for firm cell adherence. Given the importance of these cytokines in the immune response, these changes could have a significant impact on DC function in vivo.