bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of vaso‐active agents on hepatic function and blood gases in patients with cirrhosis: A study of vasopressin and nitroglycerin
Authors: IWAO TADASHI , TOYONAGA ATSUSHI , SUMINO MICHIHIRO , TAKAGI KOHSUKE , OHO KAZUHIKO , OHKUBO KAZUNORI , INOUE RINTAROH , TANIKAWA KYUICHI 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe effects of vaso‐active agents on hepatic function and splanchnic oxygenation were studied in 17 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Eight patients received vasopressin (0.3 iu/min) and nine patients received nitroglycerin (50 μg/min). Both drugs caused a significant reduction in the portal venous pressure gradient. Vasopressin infusion significantly decreased intrinsic clearance of indocyanine green (‐23%, P<0.01). This may be due to a decreased hepatic perfusion (‐28%, P<0.01) and portal venous oxygenation (‐15% in portal venous oxygen tension, P<0.05). In contrast, no changes in hepatic perfusion and portal venous oxygenation were observed after nitroglycerin infusion. Nitroglycerin did not decrease intrinsic clearance of indocyanine green. These results suggest that vasodilators, rather than vasoconstrictors, might be welcome in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Contrasting effects of butyrate on the expression of phenotypic markers of differentiation in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic colonic epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: GIBSON PETER R. , MOELLER INGRID , KAGELARI OURANIA , FOLINO MARISA , YOUNG GRAEME P. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe in vitro effect of butyrate on expression of differentiation markers in colonic epithelial cells was assessed in the colon cancer cell line, LIM1215 and in epithelial cells isolated from a surgically resected histologically normal colon. Markers used to assess cell differentiation were: net glycoprotein synthesis ([3H]‐glucosamine uptake) expressed relative to net protein synthesis ([14C]‐leucine uptake), and the expression of the brush border glycoproteins (alkaline phosphatase and carcino‐embryonic antigen) in cell homogenates calculated relative to cellular protein content. In response to 24 h exposure to 1 mmol/L butyrate, all markers significantly increased in LIM1215 cells whereas they all significantly decreased in isolated colonic epithelial cells under identical culture conditions. Similar effects were seen at butyrate concentrations of up to 4 mmol/L. Butyrate suppressed proliferation of LIM1215 cells but had no consistent effect on [3H]‐thymidine uptake by, or DNA content of, normal epithelial cells. Additional experiments found no evidence of a toxic effect of butyrate at those concentrations nor of an alteration of cell responsiveness to butyrate due to the isolation process itself. In contrast to its differentiative effect on neoplastic cells, butyrate reduces the expression of phenotypic markers of differentiation in vitro in colonic epithelial cells from non‐neoplastic mucosa.
The effect of chilli ingestion on gastrointestinal mucosal proliferation and azoxymethane‐induced cancer in the rat
Authors: KANG J. Y. , ALEXANDER B. , BARKER F. , MAN W. K. , WILLIAMSON R. C. N. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTOf the three main races of Singapore, Malays and Indians are less susceptible to gastric and colorectal carcinoma and peptic ulcer when compared with Chinese. Racial differences in dietary habits include a smaller amount of chilli consumed by the Chinese when compared with the other two races. Chilli may be expected to accelerate gastrointestinal transit and hence to inhibit colonic carcinogenesis, while its active ingredient capsaicin protects against experimental gastric mucosal injury. The effect of chilli consumption was studied in relation to: (i) gastrointestinal crypt cell production rate and nucleic acid content as indices of mucosal proliferation, which is related to the risk of development of gastrointestinal cancer and peptic ulcer; and (ii) azoxymethane‐induced intestinal cancer. Sprague‐Dawley rats (n= 102) received either standard powdered chow or chow supplemented with 100 or 200 mg of chilli powder daily for 1, 18 or 24 weeks. Gastric, small‐bowel and colonic crypt cell production rates were studied at all three time periods, while mucosal DNA, RNA and protein contents were measured at 1 and 24 weeks. While crypt cell production rates were unaffected by chilli ingestion, mucosal contents of nucleic acid and protein were mostly increased in chilli‐fed animals compared to controls, especially in the colon at 24 weeks. A further 99 rats received subcutaneous injections of either azoxymethane 15 mg/kg/week x 6 or sterile water and were randomized to the same three dietary groups for 26 weeks. The number, size and location of benign and malignant duodenal and colonic tumours were unaffected by chilli intake. Chilli therefore had no effect on mucosal proliferation, although a moderate effect on mucosal mass was seen. It did not alter intestinal carcinogenesis.
Hepatitis C virus infection in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in Saudi Arabia
Authors: KARAWI MOHAMED ALI AL , SHARIQ SOHAIL , MOHAMED ABDEL RAHMAN EL SHIEKH , SAEED AWAD A. , AHMED ABDUL MUTAAL MOHAMED 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) was determined in 139 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and 42 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during one year at the Riyadh Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The anti‐HCV was detected in 36 of 96 (37.5%) HBsAg‐negative patients with chronic liver disease and six of 43 (13.9%) HBsAg‐positive patients with chronic liver disease. In addition, 11 (42.3%) HBsAg‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma patients and two of 16 (12.5%) HBsAg‐positive hepatocellular patients had antibody to HCV. The anti‐HCV prevalence was 1.5% in 4818 healthy blood donors and 1% in 385 antenatal patients. The overall HCV seropositivity of 30.4% in 181 liver disease patients (CLD and HCC) in Saudi Arabia is lower than that reported from European countries.
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 16 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: SAKAI KAGARI , NAGAHARA HIKARU , ABE KOHJI , OBATA HIROSHI 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTIn order to understand the molecular genetics of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a common chromosomal abnormality in HCC was examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Sixty‐eight HCC specimens were examined for loss of heterozygosity at 11 different chromosomal arms including 1p, 5p, 11p, 11q, 13q, 14q, 15q, 16p, 16q, 18q, and 19q. Losses were not detected on chromosome 1, 5, 14, 15 or 19, and the frequencies of losses were low (11–19%) for chromosomes 11, 13 and 18. In contrast, loss of heterozygosity was frequently observed for three different loci on chromosome 16, the HBA locus at 16p 13.3 (22%), the MT2 locus at 16q21–22.1 (15%) and the HP locus at 16q22.1–22.2 (39%). There was no remarkable difference in the frequencies of loss of heterozygosity at these loci among HBV related HCC, HCV related HCC and neither virus (NBNC) related HCC.Thus, the results indicate that at least three different genetic abnormalities in chromosome 16 are commonly observed in various HCC, and that this chromosome may have some important role(s) in recessive genetic changes which generate this tumour.
Complications of hepatolithiasis
Authors: FAN S. T. , WONG J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTHepatolithiasis or intrahepatic stone is associated with a variety of complications of which biliary sepsis is one. Left untreated, infection results in formation of micro‐abscesses, portal thrombophlebitis and fistulation into adjacent structures. With repeated infection, biliary strictures and severe destruction of liver parenchyma occur. Biliary cirrhosis, portal hypertension and bleeding varices are the terminal manifestations. Early recognition and proper treatment are essential for the prevention of severe complications and functional deterioration.
Brush border hydrolases in normal and neoplastic colonic epithelium
Authors: YOUNG G. P. , MACRAE F. A. , GIBSON P. R. , ALEXEYEFF M. , WHITEHEAD R. H. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have suggested that abnormal expression of enzymes characteristic of the intestinal brush border might accompany colonic neoplasia and possibly facilitate identification of epithelium at risk of malignancy. To test this possibility, the distribution of the brush border enzymes sucrase‐isomaltase (SIM), maltase‐glucoamylase (MGA), aminopeptidase‐N (APN) and diaminopeptidylpeptidase‐IV (DPPIV) were studied by the immunoperoxidase method in biopsies from the rectum and caecum of normal subjects, and neoplastic and non‐neoplastic tissues from patients with adenoma or cancer. Brush border enzymes were detected by immunohistochemistry more frequently in the caecum than the rectum (P < 0.05) of normal subjects. Diaminopeptidylpeptidase‐IV and APN were present in highest concentration at the brush border of the most mature colonocytes on the luminal surface with less staining in the crypt, whereas SIM and MGA staining of the brush border was as prominent on crypt cells as surface cells. While all cancers expressed at least one enzyme, there was heterogeneity of staining within tumours and a tendency to lose polarity of enzyme expression in cells, sometimes with dense staining of the cytoplasm. Distally situated adenomas uncommonly expressed a brush border enzyme (25%) and the only enzyme expressed in them was SIM. These findings indicate that these brush border enzymes are not exclusively expressed in the small intestine; DPPIV and APN are markers of the normal mature colonocyte and should prove useful as markers of differentiation. However, the changes associated with neoplasia would not appear to be of clinically predictive value. The low expression in adenomas suggests a block in the differentiation process early in tumourigenesis, whereas the patchy re‐expression, accompanied by a loss of cellular polarity in cancers, suggests derepression of gene expression for these enzymes.
C‐reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in the assessment of the prognosis of acute pancreatitis
Authors: CHEN C‐C. , WANG S‐S. , CHAO Y. , LU C‐W. , LEE S‐D. , TSAI Y‐T. , LO K‐J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe value of serum C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in predicting the outcome of acute pancreatitis was evaluated for 57 episodes in 54 patients. Serum C‐reactive protein levels on day 2, 4 and 7 after admission were significantly higher in 19 episodes of severe attacks than in 38 episodes of mild attacks (13.71±9.68, 9.00±7.54, 6.02±3.83 vs 4.78±3.91, 3.30±3.61, 1.43±2.08 mg/dL; P < 0.0001, P < 0.005, P < 0.0001, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of predicting a severe attack were 94, 76 and 82% using C‐reactive protein ≥ 8 mg/dL on day 2; 67, 92 and 84% using C‐reactive protein ≥ 5 mg/dL on day 7; and 59, 76 and 70% using Ranson's criteria ≥ 3. Increases in LDH‐4 and LDH‐5 isoenzymes were found in both groups, with LDH‐4 being slightly higher in severe attacks than in mild attacks. There was no significant difference of erythrocyte sedimentation rate between both groups. When compared with Ranson's criteria, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein is more valuable in the early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis.
A review of postgastrectomy bone disease
Authors: TOVEY F. I. , HALL M. L. , ELL P. J. , HOBSLEY M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPostgastrectomy bone disease was a term devised to describe the metabolic disorders of bone which may follow a gastrectomy operation. Although the use of this operation has declined drastically in recent years, this metabolic bone disorder is still with us and may escape and confuse the unwary. These disorders may take the form of osteomalacia, osteoporosis in excess of normal ageing, or a combination of both. For screening purposes, regular estimations of plasma alkaline phosphatase levels identify patients who may be developing osteomalacia which can then be treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Numerically, osteoporosis in excess of ageing is a bigger problem and its prevention and treatment is at present unsatisfactory. Screening procedures for osteoporosis are reviewed, including the more recent methods of bone mineral density assessment. Osteopenia or demineralization occurs in both osteomalacia and osteoporosis therefore osteomalacia must be excluded before attributing any loss to osteoporosis. The present situation with regards to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is also reviewed.
The role of luminal factors in prostaglandin protection against ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injury
Authors: MALCONTENTI‐WILSON C. , ANDREWS F. J. , SILEN W. , O'BRIEN P. E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractProstaglandins (PG) protect the gastric mucosa against damage by several irritants, but the mechanisms remain unclear. A standard rat model of gastric injury induced by 50% ethanol was used to test the hypothesis that PG protection occurs either by increasing luminal fluid volume and hence diluting the irritant, or by production of protective factors within this fluid. Quantitative histology was used to asssess microscopic mucosal damage. The increase in luminal fluid volume in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐treated animals was measured, and the ability of this increased fluid to protect saline‐treated animals via dilution of the irritant was assessed. The transfer of protection by exchange of luminal fluid from PG to non‐PG treated animals was also tested. Results showed that PGE2 induced a specific increase in luminal fluid volume of 45.6%. When given together with ethanol treatment the extra fluid volume was not protective. Removal of luminal fluid after PG and before ethanol treatment did not abolish protection and no protective factor was transferred with the luminal fluid. In conclusion, this study has shown that neither dilution of ethanol by accumulation of luminal fluid nor the presence of luminal factors is responsible for PG protection.
Tumour suppressor genes and colorectal neoplasia
Authors: KOOREY DAVID J. , McCAUGHAN GEOFFREY W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo distinct gene classes have been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Tumour promoter genes (oncogenes, dominant oncogenes) produce an excessive positive stimulus to cell proliferation. The ras family of oncogenes are an example. Acquired mutations of the c‐k‐ras gene are commonly found in colonic adenomas and carcinomas. Tumour suppressor genes (anti‐oncogenes, recessive oncogenes) normally constrain or regulate cell proliferation. Loss of this function through gene deletion or mutation is oncogenic. Inherited tumour suppressor gene mutations have now been identified in several of the familial cancer syndromes. Acquired tumour suppressor gene mutations are found in both sporadic and hereditary cancers. Together with the tumour promoter genes they provide the genetic basis for the cellular changes occurring during carcinogenesis. The retinoblastoma gene was the first human tumour suppressor gene to be characterized and exemplifies the class. More recently, linkage studies in the hereditary cancer syndromes and the detection of specific deletions in sporadic tumours have helped to identify several new tumour suppressor genes. At least four of these (MCC, APC, p53 and DCC) apparently contribute to sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis. Germ line APC mutations produce the inherited colorectal cancer syndrome familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Detection of these mutations using linked markers has already found clinical application in the screening of families with this disease. In the future, genetic diagnosis of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and the recognition of those genetically susceptible to sporadic colorectal cancer may become possible. At the same time, as our understanding of the genes involved improves, new avenues for treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer may emerge.
Hepatitis D virus infection among prostitutes in Taiwan
Authors: WU JAW‐CHING , WANG YUAN‐JEN , HWANG SHINN‐JANG , CHEN TRONG‐ZONG , WANG YU‐SHINN , LIN HWA‐CHEN , LEE SHOU‐DONG , SHENG WEN‐YUNG 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo hundred and sixty‐three adult licensed, 233 adult and 157 teenage unlicensed prostitutes from Taiwan were studied for prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. The hepatitis B carrier rate among the three groups was 21, 15 and 20%, respectively, not significantly different from that of the general population in this area. However, the prevalence of HDV infection among carrier prostitutes was 55, 36 and 16%, respectively, much higher than that in general hepatitis B carriers. Univariate analysis revealed that the history of conducting paid sex for more than 12 months (P≤ 0.03), ear‐piercing (P≤ 0.02), tattooing (P≤ 0.02), and gonorrhoea or syphilis (P≤ 0.005) were significant factors associated with HDV infection among these subjects. Multivariate analysis revealed that the history of ear‐piercing and venereal diseases (P≤ 0.001) were still significant. In summary, genital ulcers caused by venereal diseases due to frequent sexual contact with multiple partners, and use of unsterilized needles in ear‐piercing or tattooing play important roles in the high prevalence of HDV infection in prostitutes.
Histological findings in asymptomatic hepatitis C virus carriers
Authors: KODAMA TOSHINORI , TAMAKI TOMOHIRO , KATABAMI SHIGEO , KATAMUMA AKIO , YAMASHITA KENTARO , AZUMA NAOKI , KAMIJO KEIICHI , KINOSHITA HIROSHI , YACHI AKIRA 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThere is controversy about clinical management of individuals who persistently have hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCVAb) but who have no symptoms or signs of liver disease. Liver biopsy samples were taken from 15 individuals, all of whom had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, to determine the prevalence of liver disease and whether HCVAb and HCV‐RNA correlate with histological findings. Eleven patients with hepatitis C viremia had histological evidence of chronic hepatitis on biopsy. On the other hand, four HCV‐RNA‐negative individuals had almost normal liver histology. These findings indicate that serum HCV‐RNA is a sensitive and specific marker of liver disease in HCVAb‐positive subjects, independent of ALT levels. Furthermore, these results suggest that there are very few histologically healthy carriers of HCV among HCV‐RNA‐positive individuals.
Induced gall‐bladder contraction accelerates fragment clearance after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: ZIEGENHAGEN DIETER J. , ZEHNTER ELMAR , KRUIS WOLFGANG , POHL CHRISTOPH 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAt the end of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) gallstone fragments are dispersed throughout the gall‐bladder. In this state they should be expelled more easily than when later sedimented to the gall‐bladder fundus. Thus, a randomized study was performed to evaluate the clinical benefit of induced gall‐bladder contraction after ESWL. One hundred and five patients with radiolucent gallstones (1–3 stones, diameter ≤ 30 mm) were randomized to received either saline or an infusion of 0.2 μg/kg ceruletide. Stone clearance rates and incidence of biliary symptoms were recorded. Clearance rates at 6 weeks and 3 months after ESWL were significantly (P≤ 0.025) improved by the ceruletide infusion. This effect, resulting in shortened bile acid therapy, was limited to patients with small solitary stones and dependent on a good initial fragmentation. Major side effects attributable to ceruletide were not observed. These results suggest that induced gall‐bladder contraction can be successfully applied as an adjuvant treatment in a subgroup of patients with small solitary gallstones.
Trimethadione tolerance tests for the assessment of feasible size of hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: ISHIKAWA AKIO , FUKAO KATASHI , TSUJI KATSUHISA , OSADA AKIRA , YAMAMOTO YUJI , OHTSUKA MASAAKI , TANAKA EINOSUKE 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPre‐operative evaluation of the quantity of functional remnant hepatic parenchyma after hepatectomy was carried out to predict the optimal amount of hepatic resection using the trimethadione (TMO) tolerance test. This test is an estimate based on serum diamethadione (DMO)/TMO ratio (DMO is the only metabolite of TMO) 4 h after oral administration of TMO, and computed tomography (CT) scans of the liver in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The percentage of remnant hepatic parenchyma was calculated pre‐operatively from the remaining non‐cancerous portion and the whole hepatic parenchyma, excluding the HCC portion, using the CT scans. Presumptive remnant DMO/TMO ratio was calculated by multiplying the percentage of remnant hepatic parenchyma and pre‐operative serum DMO/TMO ratio in 45 patients with HCC undergoing resection. The presumptive remnant DMO/TMO ratios were 0.31 ± 0.10 (mean ±s.d.) in 42 patients who survived hepatectomy and 0.13 ± 0.02 (below 0.15) in the three patients who died from postoperative hepatic failure. Of these surviving patients, two patients who had the presumptive remnant DMO/TMO ratios under 0.15 developed postoperative severe complications. Thus, hepatectomy may not be indicated in patients where presumptive remnant DMO/TMO ratio is 0.15 and lower.These findings suggest that pre‐operative measurement of presumptive remnant DMO/TMO ratio, when obtained with the CT of the liver and TMO tolerance test, is useful for prediction of the quantity of functional remnant hepatic parenchyma after hepatectomy in patients with chronic liver disease.
Serum interleukin‐8 in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: JONES SUSAN C. , EVANS STUART W. , LOBO ALAN J. , CESKA MIROSLAV , AXON ANTHONY T. R. , WHICHER JOHN T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, serum IL‐8 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 93 patients. Interleukin‐8 levels were compared with plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels in 80 of these patients. Interleukin‐8 levels were also measured in ten patients with active Crohn's disease, before and after treatment with a defined formula polymeric diet. Of these patients, 70 out of 93 IL‐8 concentrations were below the detection limit of the assay. Levels were higher in patients with active ulcerative colitis (median < 20 pg/mL, 75th centile value = 190) compared with inactive disease (median and 75th centile value < 20; P 0.05). Interleukin‐8 concentrations correlated with a combined score for disease severity and extent (P= 0.01). Thirty‐eight per cent (8/20) of patients with active Crohn's disease also had high levels of IL‐8 but there was no significant difference between active and inactive disease. There was no correlation between serum IL‐8 and plasma IL‐6; on the contrary, very few patients had raised blood levels of both cytokines. In the diet treated group, serum IL‐8 fell significantly after treatment (median = 37 pg/mL, range < 20–4615 before treatment, median < 20, range < 20–104 after treatment; P= 0.03). The results suggest that although IL‐8 may be involved in the inflammatory process in inflammatory bowel disease, it is a poor marker of disease activity.