bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic stellate cells: New target in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Talukdar Rupjyoti , Tandon Rakesh K 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive fibrosis, pain and/or loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. Recent in vitro and in vivo experiments have proven objectively the role of activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) in fibrogenesis in CP. Molecular mediators shown to regulate the pathogenesis include transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Furthermore, molecular pathways involving mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), Ras superfamily G proteins, serine threonine protein kinase Raf‐1 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) have been elucidated. Understanding of the pathogenesis has led to identification of novel molecular targets and development of potential newer therapeutic agents. Those found to retard the progression of experimental CP and fibrosis in animal models include interferon (IFN) β and IFN‐γ; a Japanese herbal medicine called Saiko‐keishi‐to (TJ‐10); curcumin; PPAR‐γ ligand (troglitazone); antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, DA 9601 and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate); a protease inhibitor (camostat mesilate) and hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA inhibitor (lovastatin). This review summarizes the current literature addressing the role of different pharmacological agents aimed at reducing or preventing inflammation and the consequent fibrogenesis in CP.
Visceral adipose tissue area is an independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis
Authors: Park Bum J , Kim Yoon J , Kim Dong H , Kim Won , Jung Yong J , Yoon Jung H , Kim Chung Y , Cho Young M , Kim Se H , Lee Kyoung B , Jang Ja J , Lee Hyo S 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim: Recent data indicate that hepatic steatosis is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity (especially central body fat distribution). There have been few studies on the correlation between biopsy‐proven hepatic steatosis and the above factors in a disease‐free population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between hepatic steatosis assessed by biopsy and clinical characteristics including regional fat distribution measured by computed tomography (CT) in living liver donors.Methods: Laboratory data, liver/spleen Hounsfield ratio (L/S ratio), regional fat distribution by CT and liver status by biopsy were evaluated retrospectively in a total of 177 living liver donors without a history of alcohol intake.Results: The unpairedt‐test showed that age, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, L/S ratio, visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT) were associated with hepatic steatosis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, VAT (odds ratio 1.031, 95% CI 1.013–1.048,P < 0.01) and TG (odds ratio 1.012, 95% CI 1.004–1.020,P < 0.01) were independent risk factors of hepatic steatosis. Subgroup analysis also showed that VAT was an independent risk factor in men (odds ratio 1.022, 95% CI 1.003–1.041,P < 0.05) and women (odds ratio 1.086, 95% CI 1.010–1.168,P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that visceral abdominal adiposity is correlated with hepatic steatosis in healthy living liver donors.
Efficacy and safety of epirubicin and etoposide combination chemotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Jae‐Lyun , Ryu Min‐Hee , Chang Heung M , Kim Tae‐Won , Lee Sung S , Sym Sun J , Kim Min K , Kim Kang M , Lee Jung S , Kang Yoon‐Koo 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Systemic treatments of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (AHCC) have offered marginal clinical benefits. Recently, Italian investigators reported that etoposide and epirubicin combination (EE) chemotherapy was highly active against AHCC, with a response rate of 39% and a median overall survival (OS) of 10 months. We report our efficacy and safety results of EE in clinical practice.Methods:  Between December 1999 and October 2005, 35 patients with AHCC and fitting the preset eligibility criteria were treated with EE. Twenty‐eight patients (80%) had liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 26 (74%) had a prior history of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using cisplatin. The EE chemotherapy consisted of epirubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide 120 mg/m2 on days 1, 3 and 5 every 4 weeks.Results:  A total of 102 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of two cycles per patient (range one to eight cycles). Two patients had a partial response and nine had stable disease, with a tumor control rate of 32% (95% CI 17–48). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 2.1 months (95% CI 1.8–2.4) and the median OS was 6.4 months (95% CI 4.4–8.5). There was a tendency toward improved PFS in patients seronegative for HBsAg and peritoneal seeding (P = 0.06 and P = 0.054, respectively). Overall survival was significantly better in patients without HBsAg and Cancer Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score 0–1 (P = 0.024 and P = 0.033, respectively). The main toxicities were hematological events, including grade 3/4 neutropenia in 29% and febrile neutropenia in 11% of patients.Conclusion:  Treatment with EE showed minimal antitumor activity with acceptable toxicity in HBV‐associated AHCC, especially in patients pretreated with TACE.
Myoepithelium of the Human Iris: A Stereoscopic Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Lowe Ronald P. , Carroll Nanette 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe dilator pupillæ of postmortem human eyes was examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results are reviewed in association with reports in the literature. The dilator pupilæ forms a dense layer with both muscular and epithelial functions (myoepithelium). During muscular activity the myoepithelial cells undergo marked intracellular rearrangement from long and fusiform in miosis, to columnar in wide mydriasis. During contraction of the dilator the myoepithelial cells change in a manner vastly different from mesodermal, visceral, smooth muscle cells.
Urgent Therapeutic Keratoplasty
Authors: Robinson Lyon P. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryFifty‐five patients required urgent therapeutic keratoplasties (hot grafts) in the 10 year period 1965 to 1974 inclusive, at Sydney Bye Hospital. These patients suffered extensive corneal diseases including corneal abscesses, widespread keratitis, severe ulceration and perforations or threatened perforations.
Reduction in Anterior Chamber Depth Following Scleral Buckling Procedures
Authors: Coster D. J. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA reduction in anterior chamber depth was observed in 10 of 25 patients in whom scleral buckling was performed as a surgical treatment for retinal detachment. In one case this reduction was enough to precipitate angle closure glaucoma. Pre‐operative assessment of the drainage angle and the anterior chamber depth is necessary for the recognition of predisposed individuals.
The Treatment of Branch Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Herbstein Amos. U. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe treatments of branch retinal vein occlusion are reviewed and discussed.In the early stages, the loss of visual acuity is the result of the retinal arterial spasm induced by the thrombotic process. In the later stages the loss of vision is the result of the retinal osdema, the impaired blood supply, the increase in cell population and the leakage from deep capillaries.
The Treatment of Two Macula Disorders with the Argon Laser
Authors: McGuinness R. , Kennedy I. , Beaumont P. , Hollows F. C. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe argon laser has been successfully used to treat central serous retinopathy without complications. The use of the laser to treat some cases of senile disciform degeneration is discussed and the need for further study of such therapy is stressed.
Semen quality of Asian men
Authors: IWAMOTO TERUAKI , NOZAWA SHIARI , YOSHIIKE MIKI 
Published: November 2007

After the controversial report by Carlsenet al. in 1992 showing a possible decline in human semen quality over the past 50 years, many laboratories investigated their own records of semen findings that had been kept for the past decades, and a significant decrease in sperm quality was reported from some laboratories, but not others. At the beginning of the 21st century, a definitive interpretation of this issue has not yet been offered; however, it seems plausible that there are large regional differences in semen quality. Decreases in semen quality have been reported from various regions around the world, and a concurrent rise in the incidence of other reproductive problems, such as testicular cancer and genital abnormalities, has been observed in many regions. However, most of the reports showing regional differences were from Western or Western‐derived countries, despite the fact that Asia is the region with the highest population on earth. Recently we undertook a cross‐sectional study on fertile men in Japan to describe the current status of semen quality of Japanese men. We took confounders into consideration to allow a comparison with a previous European study. Japanese fertile men proved to have a semen quality at the level of Danish men, who were reported to have the lowest level among the men examined in the European study. This low level of sperm concentration in fertile Japanese men may result from differences in lifestyle or other environmental factors, but we cannot rule out the possibility of ethnic differences caused by different genetic variation or combination. To address this issue we need more information on the reproductive function in Asian men, who have been reported to have certain differences in reproductive characteristics from Caucasian men. This article is an attempt to review our present knowledge concerning the current status of semen quality in healthy Asian men on the basis of the limited publications from Asia. (Reprod Med Biol 2007;6: 185–193)
Recombinant human albumin supports mouse blastocyst development, suppresses apoptosis in blastocysts and improves fetal development
Authors: TAKENAKA MANAMI , HORIUCHI TOSHITAKA 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Human serum albumin (HSA) is usually added to human in vitro fertilization culture medium to support embryo development, but carries some risk of contamination with various other compounds. Recombinant human albumin (rHA) has been shown to be a chemically defined protein. We evaluated the effect of rHA on mouse embryo development.Methods:  B6D2F1 pronuclear oocytes were cultured in protein‐free potassium simplex optimized medium with non‐essential and essential amino acids supplemented with rHA, HSA (1 mg/mL) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 0.1 mg/mL) for 96 h. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in blastocysts and fetal development after embryo transfer were examined.Results:  Blastocyst development was equal in the three supplements. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of NO in blastocysts developed in rHA was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in HSA or PVA. After transfer of blastocysts developed in rHA, the percentage of fetal development was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in HSA or PVA (75.8 ± 2.2%vs 46.8 ± 7.5% or 42.4 ± 3.9%, respectively).Conclusions:  Supplementing culture medium with rHA resulted in decreased apoptosis and increased fetal development after embryo transfer. The results show that the presence of rHA in the culture medium is beneficial for producing high‐quality blastocysts. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 195–201)
Collection and culture of primordial germ cells from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: OKADA HIRONORI , HATORI MASANORI , SHIMOZAWA NOBUHIRO , TSUCHIYA HIDEAKI , KUWANA TAKASHI , SANKAI TADASHI 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To clarify the location of primordial germ cells (PGC) in an embryo of target‐age and to examine the culture environment of the PCG.Methods:  The days of ovulation and fertilization were estimated by measuring the serum concentration of estrogen. Pregnancy was confirmed by measurement of the serum concentration of the beta subunit of macaque chorionic gonadotropin and by ultrasonography. We also examined the location of PGC in the embryo at the time of retrieval.Results:  Results showed that PGC in an embryo were in the hindguts at day 30 postfertilization, arrived at the genital ridges via mesenteries at approximately day 33 postfertilization, and colonized the gonads by day 36 postfertilization.Conclusions:  In conclusion, embryos collected on day 33 postfertilization are more suitable for obtaining PGC from cynomolgus monkeys. The PGC collected from cynomolgus monkey fetuses were cultured under conditions for the derivation and culture of human embryonic germ cells; enzymatically dispersed single cells were cultured on a SIM thioguanine‐resistant ouabain‐resistant cells (STO) feeder layer with recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor, recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor and forskolin. The cells from genital ridges and mesenteries at day 33 postfertilization had alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in vitro for a maximum of 13 days. In contrast, ALP activity had been held for 2 months under the same culture condition when the cells were derived from the gonads at day 66 postfertilization. Derivation of an embryonic germ cell from a cynomolgus monkey was not achieved from these cultures. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 203–210)
Beneficial effect of long zona dissection on frozen–thawed blastocysts at a young age
Authors: YAMAMOTO SETSUKO , UMEKI MICHIKO , KODOMA MIOKO , HAMANO TERUHIRO , MATSUSITA FUJIYO 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To assess the appropriateness of assisted hatching using long zona dissection of human frozen–thawed blastocysts at the time of warming, especially in women over 35 years of age or with repeated implantation failures.Methods:  Of 177 frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer cycles, 89 control cycles had an intact zona and 88 cycles had assisted hatching using long zona dissection of human thawed blastocyst at the time of warming. These two groups were further subdivided by age to a total of four subgroups: ≤34 years (assisted hatching, n = 39; controls, n = 39) and ≥35 years (assisted hatching, n = 49; controls, n = 50). Twenty‐seven cycles in the control group and 28 cycles in the assisted‐hatching group had repeated implantation failures. The clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates and the implantation rate between the two groups were analyzed retrospectively.Results:  The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in women ≤34 years were significantly higher after the application of assisted hatching compared with the control group (87.2% and 71.2%vs 56.4% and 46.6%, P < 0.001). The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of women with repeated implantation failures were higher after the application of assisted hatching compared with the control group (64.3% and 46.3%vs 48.1% and 34.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions:  Routine assisted hatching using long zona dissection at the time of warming on frozen–thawed blastocysts is a safe and easy method to perform and is extremely beneficial for increasing the pregnancy rate in young women ≤34 years of age, but not in women ≥35 years of age. Despite increased pregnancy and implantation rates in patients with repeated implantation failures, statistical significance was not achieved. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 211–218)
Obstetric outcomes of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization compared with those conceived spontaneously
Authors: SUZUKI SHUNJI , MIYAKE HIDEHIKO 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To examine the obstetric outcomes of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with those conceived spontaneously.Methods:  Data were collected from primiparous women aged 35 years and older with a singleton pregnancy conceived by IVF (n = 89) or spontaneously (n = 849). Data included antenatal data, gestational age at delivery, obstetric complications, such as pregnancy‐induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, placental previa and placental abruption, mode of delivery, birth weight, fetal demise and the Apgar score at 1 min.Results:  The elective Cesarean rate in pregnancies following IVF was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.014). However, there were no significant differences in obstetric outcomes between the two groups.Conclusions:  The current results did not support the IVF‐related risks of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 219–222)
Hormonal and histological study on irregular genital bleeding in patients with endometriosis during treatment with dienogest, a novel progestational therapeutic agent
Authors: IRAHARA MINORU , HARADA TASUKU , MOMOEDA MIKIO , TAMAKI YUJI 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Dienogest, a novel progestational 19‐norsteroid, has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on endometriosis with its major side‐effect being irregular genital bleeding. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism responsible for the bleeding seen during dienogest therapy.Methods:  For this multicenter, single‐dose, open‐label study, dienogest at a daily oral dose of 2 mg was administered for 16 weeks to nine patients with endometriosis showing regular menstrual cycles. Weekly determinations of serum endocrine hormone levels during the course of the treatment period and histological endometrial biopsies at the onset of genital bleeding were undertaken.Results:  All cases showed genital bleeding irregularly during the treatment period. Endometrial histological findings at the time of presentation of the bleeding revealed a secretory, inert or atrophic appearance of the epithelium, pseudo‐decidualization in the stroma, and local hemorrhage around the regions of desquamation of epithelium and lysis in the subepithelial stromal tissue, which are characteristics of breakthrough bleeding known to occur with progestational agents. In contrast, no association with the course of genital bleeding was found with respect to changes in serum estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, plasma dienogest concentration, endometrial thickness or follicular diameter.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the genital bleeding seen in the period of medication with dienogest originated from breakthrough bleeding from the pseudodecidua, which reflects a direct progestational effect of dienogest on the endometrium. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 223–228)
Effect of fatty acids on boar sperm motility, viability and acrosome reaction
Authors: HOSSAIN MD SHAROARE , TAREQ K.M.A. , HAMMANO KO‐ICHI , TSUJII HIROTADA 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The present study was undertaken to determine which fatty acids improve motility, viability, and increase acrosome reaction (AR) in boar spermatozoa.Methods:  Boar spermatozoa were washed, swum‐up and incubated at 37°C for 4 h in TALP medium supplemented with myristic, palmitic, stearic, lignoceric, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic and palmitoleic acid. Sperm motility, viability and AR were evaluated during 4 h of incubation.Results:  Results show that oleic and linoleic acid significantly improved (P < 0.05) the motility and viability of boar spermatozoa. The AR was significantly improved (P < 0.05) by oleic and arachidonic acid in almost all incubation periods. When combinations of oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acid were studied for motility, viability and AR, it was found that oleic plus linoleic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) motility, whereas arachidonic plus oleic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) AR.Conclusion:  Unsaturated fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid, can improve boar sperm motility and AR. A combination of arachidonic and oleic acid is important for inducing boar sperm AR. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 235–239)
The effect of ant attendance on the success of rosy apple aphid populations, natural enemy abundance and apple damage in orchards
Authors: Stewart‐Jones A. , Pope T. W. , Fitzgerald J. D. , Poppy G. M. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract1 The rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea, is the most serious pest of apple in Europe and, although conventionally controlled by insecticides, alternative management measures are being sought. Colonies of D. plantaginea are commonly attended by ants, yet the effects of this relationship have received little attention.2 An ant exclusion study was conducted in two distant orchards within the U.K. At both sites, ants were excluded from a subset of D. plantaginea infested trees at the beginning of the season and populations were monitored. The number of natural enemies observed on trees was also recorded and, before harvest, the percentage of apples damaged by D. plantaginea calculated.3 Overall, the exclusion of ants reduced the growth and eventual size of D. plantaginea populations. On trees accessed by ants, greater numbers of natural enemies were recorded, presumably because aphid populations were often greater on such trees. However, this increased natural enemy presence was diluted by the larger aphid populations such that individual aphids on ant‐attended trees were subjected to a lower natural enemy pressure compared with those on ant‐excluded trees.4 At harvest, apple trees that had been accessed by ants bore a greater proportion of apples damaged by D. plantaginea. There were also differences in cultivar susceptibility to D. plantaginea damage.5 The present study highlights the importance of the ant–D. plantaginea relationship and it ia suggested that ant manipulation, whether physically or by semiochemicals that disrupt the relationship, should be considered as a more prominent component in the development of future integrated pest management strategies.
Reproductive maturation in the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis: the relative importance of larval and adult diet
Authors: Thorpe Katherine , Day Keith 
Published: November 2007

Abstract1 Larval and adult Hylobius abietis (L.) can feed and, in the case of the adults, cause commercially significant damage to many species of conifer. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of larval and adult feeding on different host plants on subsequent reproductive fitness.2 Hylobius abietis larvae were reared on logs of four host species known to vary in suitability for development; Pinus nigra ssp. laricio, Picea sitchensis, Larix kaempferi and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Adult females were collected on emergence and allocated to complete maturation feeding on one of four seedling conifer species, P. nigra spp. laricio, P. sitchensis, P. menziesii and Larix ×marschlinsii. It was assumed that variation in both larval and adult host plant quality had the potential to influence subsequent reproductive behaviour.3 The time taken for females to attain reproductive maturity was assessed, and reproductive output was measured over an average period of 17 days.4 The best predictor of the time to attain reproductive maturity was found to be the initial adult body weight. This was strongly related to the larval host species, with the largest adults emerging from P. nigra ssp. laricio. The time taken to begin oviposition was in the range 10–49 days (mean 23 days). The subsequent mean rate of oviposition for individual females was in the range 0.1–3.7 eggs per day. Egg volumes varied between and within individual females, in the range 0.241–1.079 mm3.5 The species of seedling provided for maturation feeding had no significant impact on reproductive behaviour over the course of the experiment. It is possible, however, that the quality of the adult diet might exert a greater influence on behaviour over a longer period because H. abietis is a relatively long‐lived species.