bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of HLA compatibility and lymphocyte cross‐matching on acute cellular rejection following living donor adult liver transplantation
Authors: Suehiro Taketoshi , Shimada Mitsuo , Kishikawa Keiji , Shimura Tatsuo , Soejima Yuji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Hashimoto Kohji , Mochida Yasushi , Maehara Yoshihiko , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background: Reports on the relevance of immunogenetic factors in living donor adult liver transplantation (LDALT) are often conflicting or inconclusive. We therefore investigated the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches, lymphocyte crossmatch positivity, and the reactivity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) in a series of LDALT.Methods: A total of 104 LDALT patients were studied. The minimum follow‐up was 12 months, and the graft survival rates were assessed. The incidence of the most common complications was analyzed. And the influence of HLA, the flow cytometric analysis findings, enhanced cytotoxic cross‐matching and MLC on graft survival, and acute rejection was also investigated.Results: As a result, 96 negative cross‐matching and eight positive cross‐matching cases were identified. Positive cytotoxic cross‐matching had a significant effect on graft survival (P<0.05), while flow cytometric cross‐matching also had an additional effect on acute rejection (P<0.05). The MLC of the patients with three HLA mismatches was significantly higher than the MLC of patients with zero HLA mismatches. The incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR) was higher in the patients with three mismatches than in the other patients, and moderate rejection only occurred in the patients with three mismatches.Conclusion: HLA mismatching was not statistically associated with the overall graft survival after LDALT. The graft failure rates were higher in the positive cross‐matching cases and therefore a strong immuosuppressant might be needed for positive cross‐matching cases.
Methylation status of p14ARF, p15INK4b, and p16INK4a genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fukai Kenichi , Yokosuka Osamu , Imazeki Fumio , Tada Motohisa , Mikata Rintaro , Miyazaki Masaru , Ochiai Takenori , Saisho Hiromitsu 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background: The INK4 locus consisting of three genes involved in the regulation of cell cycle, p16INK4a, p15INK4b, and p14ARF is often disrupted in human neoplasms.Methods: We analyzed the promoter methylation of each gene by methylation‐specific PCR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Results: The methylation of p16INK4a, p15INK4b, and p14ARF was found to occur in 27 (69.2%), seven (17.9%), and none out of 39 HCC tumors, respectively. Regarding corresponding nontumorous liver tissues, the promoter regions of p16INK4a, p15INK4b, and p14ARF were methylated in three (17.6%), three (17.6%), and none out of 17 samples, respectively. Analysis of mRNA expression revealed that loss of p16INK4a expression was frequently observed in HCC. In contrast, transcripts of p14ARF and p15INK4b were detected in 16 (88.9%) and 16 (88.9%) of 18 tumors, respectively.Conclusions: The frequent loss of transcription of p16INK4a with promoter methylation not only in the advanced but also in the early stages of HCC suggests that the epigenetic alteration of p16INK4a promoter is likely to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Together with the result of RT‐PCR analysis, the role of aberrant methylation of p14ARF or p15INK4a promoter in hepatocarcinogenesis is thought to be limited.
Evaluation of liver parenchymal pressure and portal endothelium damage during radio frequency ablation in an in vivo porcine model
Authors: Kotoh Kazuhiro , Morizono Shusuke , Kohjima Motoyuki , Enjoji Munechika , Sakai Hironori , Nakamuta Makoto 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: We previously developed a multi‐step, incremental expansion method (multi‐step method) for radio frequency ablation (RFA) in vitro, which prevented increases in pressure and reduced the ablation time as compared with other methods. In this study, we evaluated liver parenchymal pressure and portal endothelium damage during RFA with different devices and protocols in an in vivo porcine model.Method: Nine healthy female pigs were anaesthetized. RFA was performed with two different devices and protocols; one involved the use of a LeVeen needle with a single‐step full expansion method or a multi‐step method, and the other used a cool‐tip needle with 40 or 60 W power. We measured the pressure in the liver parenchyma and the gallbladder during RFA. We also evaluated portal endothelium damage by NADH staining.Results: The multi‐step method with the LeVeen electrode resulted in the lowest parenchymal and intra‐gallbladder pressures (multi‐step method<single‐step method <cool‐tip 40 W <cool‐tip 60 W). In contrast, the ablation time was shortest with the cool‐tip needle at 60 W (cool‐tip 60 W <cool‐tip 40 W=multi‐step method <single‐step method). NADH staining revealed severe endothelium damage after ablation with the cool‐tip needle, but only slight damage with the LeVeen needle.Conclusion: Ablation with the LeVeen needle, especially when used with a multi‐step protocol, produced less of an increase in liver parenchymal and intra‐gallbladder pressures and less damage to portal endothelial cells than did the cool‐tip electrode.
Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats
Authors: Ding Jian , Yu Jieping , Wang Chengdang , Hu Wei , Li Dan , Luo Yanjun , Luo Hesheng , Yu Honggang 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Aims: To investigate the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and collagen I during this period.Methods: The effect of GbE on liver fibrogenesis was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E staining), Masson's trichrome staining, and electron microscope study. Blood samples were collected for measurement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue was detected by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Immunohistochemistry assay and RT‐PCR were used to examine the protein expressions and mRNA levels of TGF‐β1 and collagen I, respectively.Results: H&E, Masson's trichrome stainings and electron microscope study showed liver fibrosis in rats was greatly alleviated when treated with GbE. Additionally, there was a remarkable improvement of serum ALT, AST, albumin and MDA in the GbE‐treated group. Immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR results showed GbE intervention significantly inhibited TGF‐β1 and collagen I expressions in rat liver. No side effects of GbE were found during these experiments. But GbE could not reverse the pathological changes of liver fibrosis completely when compared with normal control.Conclusion: GbE can partially protect rat liver from the fibrogenesis induced by CCl4. The mechanism may lie in its effect of inhibiting oxidative stress caused by liver injury and expressions of signal molecules such as TGF‐β1. GbE may thus be of potential help as a medicament or food additive for alleviation of liver fibrogenesis.
Recent developments in informed consent: the basis of modern medical ethics
Authors: TAY Catherine Swee Kian 
Published: November 2005

AbstractInformed consent is today of paramount importance to the dental and medical professions because of modern ethical issues and medico‐legal consequences. This paper looks at the risk communication by medical and dental practitioners as the patient's right to know constitutes the basis of modern medical ethics. The paper discusses informed consent for both clinical practices as well as for clinical research study.
Inflammatory myositis in systemic sclerosis: a South Australian perspective
Authors: LU T. Y.‐T. , ROBERTS‐THOMSON P. J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground:  Muscle atrophy and weakness occurs commonly in patients with systemic sclerosis, especially late in the course of the disease. However, profound proximal muscle weakness secondary to myositis is an infrequent finding.Aim:  To determine the frequency and disease characteristics of patients with myositis in our cohort of systemic sclerosis patients.Methods:  A retrospective case note review of the clinical course of all patients enrolled on the South Australian scleroderma register, a population‐based register of 374 living and 234 deceased patients with systemic sclerosis, last updated to the end of December 2002.Results:  Twenty patients with myositis were identified, the majority with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes. The calculated frequency of this complication was 3.3% in our population‐based cohort. All patients suffered profound proximal muscle weakness complicated by functional impairment. Other clinical features included weakness of cervical musculature (15%), dyspnoea (10%) and dysphagia (10%). Creatine kinase level was elevated in 80% of the patients, with the mean peak creatine kinase level of 1129 U/L. When further investigations were undertaken, 80% of patients demonstrated myopathic changes on electromyography and 92% of patients were found to have histological findings characteristic of an inflammatory process. Positive antinuclear antibodies were identified in all patients, including two with anti‐PM‐Scl autoantibodies.Conclusion:  Myositis is an infrequent clinical feature in patients with systemic sclerosis. Profound proximal weakness in association with elevated creatine kinase levels and myopathic changes on electromyography should alert the clinician to this complication. The presence of anti‐PM‐Scl autoantibodies in association with overlap syndromes may have a more favourable prognostic significance.
B‐mode and power Doppler sonographic findings in the long bicipital tendon in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: OZGOCMEN Salih , KIRIS Adem , KAYA Arzu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjectives:  The aim of this study was to assess B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasound findings of long head of biceps tendon in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods:  Anthropometric measurements were carried out and disease activity and functional status were evaluated with BASDAI, BASFI, Dougados Functional Index (DFI) and Articular Index (DAI) in 30 patients with AS. The Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) was performed. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured on bilateral long head of biceps tendon and B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasound were carried out. Focal changes (hypoechogenic areas within the tendon), calcification of the tendon, and fluid collection inside or outside the tendon sheath at bicipital groove (peritendinous hypoechoic rim) and vascularity of the peritendinous region were assessed. A cumulative ultrasound score (CUSS) was obtained.Results:  Focal changes were present in five tendons of four patients. Calcification of the tendon was present in three tendons of three patients. Biceps tendon sheath effusion (peritendinous hypoechoic rim) was observed in 10 tendons of eight patients. Thirteen tendons of eight patients had discernible flow signals, six were inside the tendon sheath (within the hypoechoic rim) and seven were outside the tendon sheath. Cumulative US score correlated significantly with DFI and ESR. There was not a significant correlation between CUSS and total PPT.Conclusion:  Ultrasound examination of the long head of biceps tendon gives detailed information of the tendon and PDUS has the potential to be able to show inflammatory activity of the tendon.
Serum matrix metalloproteinase activity relating to cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: TAKEMURA Tatsuya , KANBE Katsuaki , TAKEUCHI Kimihiko , INOUE Kazuhiko , TAKAGISHI Kenji 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAims:  The aim of this study was to determine which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and which stage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) correlated with MMP‐9 or MMP‐13 level.Methods:  In the present clinical trial, we analysed MMP‐9 activity and MMP‐13 activity in 53 RA patients. We examined the presence of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 in the synovium tissue and articular cartilage in RA patients by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we compared these factors and clinical Steinbrocker staging.Results:  We found that MMP‐9 in blood serum correlates significantly with CRP. MMP‐13 also correlates with CRP but the coefficiency with CRP is much higher in MMP‐9 (r = 0.6694) than in MMP‐13 (r = 0.4037). MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 did not correlated with rheumatoid factor (RF). MMP‐9 level is increased in stages II and III in RA. On the other hand, MMP‐13 is increased in stages III and IV. Our results indicated that early stage RA shows high MMP‐9 release in serum while late stage RA shows high MMP‐13 release.Conclusion:  MMP‐9 activity may correlate with synovium proliferation with vascularization, and serum MMP‐13 activity may correlate with the grade of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Bone mass density in the normal population of Iran
Authors: AKBARIAN M. , DAVATCHI F. , SALIMZADEH A. , SHAHRAM F. , GHARIBDOUST F. , NADJI A. , PAJOUHI M. , JAMSHIDI A. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground:  Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and the femoral neck are accurate indicators of the bone mass and thus useful predictors of fracture risk. Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the easiest, yet the most precise and non‐invasive technique. The need for a population‐specific normative BMD data is vital in preventing mislabelling or misdiagnosis of osteopenia or even osteoporosis.Aim:  This study was performed to determine the lumbar vertebral and the proximal femur BMD measured by DEXA in 280 normal Iranian men and women.Method:  Subjects were selected randomly from different social economic classes in Tehran. Normal subjects were selected for each decade and both sexes. BMD was measured with a Hologic QDR 1000+ densitometer, for the lumbar spine (L1, L2, L3, L4, L1–L4) and the femoral neck (neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, ward triangle, total). Data were treated by polynomial approximation (3rd degree).Results:  In women, the highest BMD recorded was 1.020 g/cm2 for the lumbar spine (mean L1–L4) at the age of 31 years, and 0.832 for the femoral neck at the age of 34. In men, the highest BMD recorded was 0.987 g/cm2 for the lumbar spine (mean L1–L4) at the age of 36, and 0.907 for the femoral neck at the age of 30. The highest BMD in spine was lower in men than women.Conclusion:  The BMD of both lumbar spine and femoral neck (in both sexes) was lower in this study than the Hologic standards.
The evaluation of the international classification criteria (2002) for primary Sjögren's syndrome in Chinese patients
Authors: ZHAO Yan , ZHENG Wen‐Jie , ZHOU Wei , ZENG Xiao‐Feng , ZHANG Feng‐Chun , TANG Fu‐Lin , DONG Yi 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the newly issued international classification criteria (2002) for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and the role of lower lip biopsy in the diagnosis of pSS in Chinese patients.Methods:  Patients who were diagnosed by experienced rheumatologists as pSS during the past 10 years from the Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, were collected retrospectively as the experimental group. Patients diagnosed as non‐pSS connective tissue diseases or non‐connective tissue diseases served as the control group. Both groups of patients were required to complete the questionnaires about symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, and complete the objective tests of keratoconjunctivitis and xerostomia, including Schirmer's test, corneal staining, unstimulated salivary flow, sialography, lower lip biopsy and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (including anti‐SSA/SSB antibodies). All patients with a history of head‐neck radiation, hepatitis C infection, AIDS, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and antiacetylcholine drug users were exempted.Results:  A total of 330 pSS patients were included in the experimental group and 185 non‐pSS patients were included in the control group. The mean age of both groups were matched (47.8 ± 10.9 vs. 46.2 ± 13.6, P > 0.05). The sensitivitiy of the criteria in pSS patients with lower lip biopsy and in pSS patients without lower lip biopsy were 89.2% and 87.2%, respectively; altogether the sensitivity was 88.5%. The specificity was 97.3%. 11.3% pSS patients with negative anti‐SSA/SSB antibodies were diagnosed as pSS by lower lip biopsy.Conclusion:  The international classification criteria (2002) for pSS is feasible in Chinese patients. It has high sensitivity and specificity; it may also serve as diagnostic criteria in routine clinical practice.
Prevalence and Correlates of Functional Disability in Multiethnic Elderly Singaporeans
Authors: Ng Tze‐Pin , Niti Mathew , Chiam Peak‐Chiang , Kua Ee‐Heok 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To make comparative estimates of prevalence of late‐life functional disability, examine sociodemographic and health correlates, investigate sex and ethnic differences, and estimate population attributable risk of modifiable risk factors.Design: Population‐based survey.Setting: Multiethnic population of Singapore (3 million residents).Participants: Noninstitutionalized Chinese, Malay, and Indian people aged 60 and older (N=1,079)Measurements: Functional disability was defined as needing help in at least one basic activity of daily living (ADL) task in the 10 items of the Barthel Index. Five basic ADLs (eating, bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting) were used to compare prevalence with those reported from other national surveys and with reported past prevalence within the country.Results: The prevalence of disability in at least one of five ADL items (6.6% in those aged≥65) appeared lower than elsewhere, including China, but higher than reported past prevalence within the country. Functional disability on at least one of the 10 ADL items was independently associated with female sex, Indian ethnicity, older age, poor self‐rated health, specific chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, and living with others. The population attributable risks for leading modifiable factors were arthritis (12%) and cognitive impairment (14%).Conclusion: Lower prevalence of functional disability accompanies rapid aging and health transition in Singapore than in other countries but higher prevalence than reported past prevalence within the country. Associations with sociodemographic and health‐related factors were consistent with Western studies, including unexplained sex and ethnic differences.
Depressive Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease: Natural Course and Temporal Relation to Function and Cognitive Status
Authors: Holtzer Roee , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Wegesin Domonick J. , Albert Marilyn , Brandt Jason , Dubois Bruno , Hadjigeorgiou George M. , Stern Yaakov 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To examine the natural course of depressive symptoms in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), specifically, the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms, function, and cognitive status.Design: Multicenter cohort study with follow‐up of up to 14 years.Setting: Patients from the two Multicenter Study of Predictors of Disease Course in Alzheimer's Disease (Predictors Study) cohorts were recruited at five sites in the United States and Europe.Participants: Patients diagnosed with probable AD (n=536) enrolled in a longitudinal study (Predictors Study).Measurements: Depressive symptoms were evaluated at 6‐month intervals using the Columbia Scale for Psychopathology in Alzheimer's Disease. The Modified Mini‐Mental State (3MS) and Blessed Dementia Rating Scale (BDRS) were used to assess cognitive status and functional activity, respectively.Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was stable over the first 3 years of follow‐up, at approximately 40%. There was a significant drop to 28% and 24% in the fourth and fifth years of follow‐up, respectively. Time‐dependent Cox analysis revealed that functional activity (BDRS) but not cognitive status (3MS) was a significant predictor of the first episode of depressive symptoms during follow‐up. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed that AD duration and functional activity but not cognitive status were significantly related to depressive symptoms over the entire follow‐up period.Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are common in AD, but their prevalence decreases over time. Examination of the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and risk factors suggests that decline in function but not in cognition precedes the first episode of depressive symptoms in patients with probable AD.
Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor–mobilized prophylactic granulocyte transfusions given after allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation result in a modest reduction of febrile days and intravenous antibiotic usage
Authors: Oza Aarti , Hallemeier Chris , Goodnough Lawrence , Khoury Hanna , Shenoy Shalini , Devine Steven , Augustin Kristan , Vij Ravi , Trinkaus Kathryn , DiPersio John F. , Adkins Douglas 
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND:  It was hypothesized that transfusion of two granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized prophylactic granulocyte components into allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplant patients during the regimen‐related neutropenic interval would result in clinical benefit.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  HLA‐matched sibling PBPC donors (n = 151) were biologically randomized based on ABO mismatch to donate granulocyte components (Cohort G) or not donate granulocytes (control group, Cohort C). ABO‐matched donors who did not meet other study‐specific criteria were reassigned to Cohort C.RESULTS:  Feasibility, defined as the proportion of ABO‐matched donors who underwent granulocyte collections, was 42 percent (53 of 125). The percentage of patients who developed fever during the initial hospitalization was greater in Cohort C versus Cohort G (82.7% vs. 64.2%; p = 0.03). In the interval from when granulocyte transfusions were initially given in Cohort G (Day +3 or Day +5) until neutrophil engraftment, the number of febrile days was less in Cohort G versus Cohort C (median, 0 vs. 1; Mann‐Whitney p = 0.003). The median number of days of intravenous antibiotics given during the initial hospitalization was less in Cohort G versus Cohort C (9 vs. 11; Mann‐Whitney p = 0.03), a difference accounted for in the interval from Day +3 or Day +5 to neutrophil recovery. There was no significant difference in length of the initial hospital stay, acute graft‐versus‐host disease rates, or 100‐day survival between the two cohorts.CONCLUSION:  This prospective study demonstrates a modest, but significant, benefit of G‐CSF–mobilized HLA‐matched prophylactic granulocyte transfusions in neutropenic allogeneic PBPC recipients.