bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative interleukin‐6 production by mononuclear blood cells predicts survival after radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Clinchy Birgitta , Fransson Annelie , Druvefors Bengt , Hellsten Anna , Håkansson Annika , Gustafsson Bertil , Sjödahl Rune , Håkansson Leif 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND.Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the Western world. Staging based on histopathology is currently the most accurate predictor of outcome after surgery. Colorectal cancer is curable if treated at an early stage (stage I‐III). However, for tumors in stages II and III there is a great need for tests giving more accurate prognostic information defining the patient population in need of closer follow‐up and/or adjuvant therapy. Furthermore, tests that provide prognostic information preoperatively could provide a guide both for preoperative oncologic treatment and the surgical procedure.METHODS.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated preoperatively, within a week before primary surgery, from 39 patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. The PBMCs were cultured in vitro for 24 hours in the presence of autologous serum and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Staging based on histopathology was performed in all patients. Patients were followed for at least 54 months.RESULTS.A production of >5000 pg/mL of IL‐6 identified colorectal cancer patients with a poor prognosis. Eight out of 13 patients with >5000 pg/mL IL‐6 died from cancer within the follow‐up period, whereas no cancer‐related deaths were recorded among 21 patients with 5000 pg/mL IL‐6 or less. A multivariate Cox regression analysis, stratified for T‐ and N‐stage, identified IL‐6 production as an independent prognostic factor.CONCLUSIONS.IL‐6 production in vitro by PBMC can predict survival after radical surgery for colorectal cancer. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Induction of organ‐selective CD4+ regulatory T cell homing
Authors: Siewert Christiane , Menning Astrid , Dudda Jan , Siegmund Kerstin , Lauer Uta , Floess Stefan , Campbell Daniel J. , Hamann Alf , Huehn Jochen 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCompelling evidence suggests that Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ Treg play a fundamental role in immunoregulation. We have previously demonstrated that Treg have to enter peripheral tissues to suppress ongoing inflammation. However, relatively little is known about how Treg acquire the expression of homing receptors required for tissue‐ or inflammation‐specific migration. Migratory properties of conventional naïve T cells are shaped by the tissue microenvironment and organ‐specific dendritic cells during priming. Here, we show that this basic concept also holds true for CD25+CD4+ Treg: Priming of Treg within peripheral LN led to the expression of selectin ligands, which facilitate migration into inflamed skin, whereas activation within mesenteric LN led to induction of the integrin α4β7, which is required for migration into mucosal tissues. Furthermore, we could establish in vitro culture systems containing either dendritic cells from mesenteric and peripheral LN, or retinoic acid and IL‐12 as polarizing compounds to induce mucosa‐ and skin‐seeking Treg, respectively. Together, our results demonstrate that Treg, similarly to conventional T cells, can be configured with organ‐selective homing properties allowing efficient targeting into distinct tissues.
Memory T cells represent the predominant lymphocyte subset in acute and chronic liver inflammation
Authors: Volpes Riccardo , van den Oord Joost J. , Desmet Valeer J. 
Published: March 2007

T cells can be divided into two main phenotypic subpopulations-i.e., the CD45RA-positive (2H4-positive) “naive” subset and the CD45RO-positive (UCHL1-positive) “memory” subset.
In light of this recent functional reinterpretation of T-lymphocyte subpopulations, we reinvestigated the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in liver biopsy specimens from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis. In normal liver, the few scattered mononuclear cells present in portal tracts and in the intralobular parenchyma consisted of both CD45RA-positive (2H4-positive) naive and CD45RO-positive (UCHL1-positive) memory T cells. In inflammatory liver diseases, portal tract and periportal and intralobular areas of inflammation consisted virtually only of CD45RO-positive (UCHL1-positive) memory T cells, which strongly expressed the CDw29 (4B4) antigen, and the adhesion molecules LFA-1, CD2, LFA-3, CD44 and VLA-4 and the activation marker human leukocyte antigen-DR.
These results indicate that activated memory T cells represent the predominant subpopulation of lymphocytes in areas of liver inflammation. Memory T cells strongly express various homing receptors and adhesion molecules, which probably allow them to accumulate at inflammatory sites and to strengthen interaction with target cells. Furthermore, the increased number of memory T cells with enhanced interferon-γ production in areas of liver inflammation may contribute to the maintenance and up-regulation of immune responses occurring in inflammatory liver diseases. (Hepatology 1991;13:826-829.)
Morbidity and mortality from chronic hepatitis B virus infection in family members of patients with malignant and nonmalignant hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver diseases
Authors: Lok Anna S. F. , Lai Ching-Lung , Chung Hau-Tim , Lau Johnson Y. N. , Leung Elsie K. Y. , Wong Loretta S. K. 
Published: March 2007

Three-hundred forty-one HBsAg-positive family members of 152 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (47 asymptomatic carriers, 59 with chronic hepatitis, 17 with cirrhosis and 29 with hepatocellular carcinoma) were prospectively studied to determine the morbidity and mortality from chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the family members of patients with malignant and nonmalignant hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver diseases. Most of the family members had no history of acute hepatitis, were asymptomatic and were unaware of their carrier status. However, 5.3% had stigmata of chronic liver disease, 6% had serum ALT levels that exceeded two times the upper limit of normal and 78% of those who had biopsies had chronic hepatitis with or without cirrhosis.
During a follow-up period of 12 to 90 mo (median = 39 mo), 3% had symptoms of chronic liver disease; 24% had transient, recurrent or persistent elevation in serum ALT levels, 1.4% had cirrhosis and 1% had hepatocellular carcinoma. Neither hepatocellular carcinoma in the index patient nor a previous history of hepatocellular carcinoma in the family was associated with an increase in the morbidity and mortality from chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the HBsAg-positive family members. (Hepatology 1991;13:834-837.)
Ascitic fluid pH and lactate: Insensitive and nonspecific tests in detecting ascitic fluid infection
Authors: Runyon Bruce A. , Antillon Mainor R. 
Published: March 2007

Ascitic fluid pH and lactate concentration have been proposed as useful tests for the detection of ascitic fluid infection. However, past studies involved small numbers of infected patients, and all did not use optimal culture techniques. This large study was performed using highly sensitive culture methods and sought (a) to compare the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of pH and lactate to that of the ascitic fluid neutrophil count and (b) to determine whether evaluation of ascitic fluid pH or lactate (or arterial-ascitic fluid pH or lactate gradient) would result in improved decision-making regarding empirical treatment of suspected ascitic fluid infection.
Analysis of 206 ascitic fluid specimens obtained in 175 patients, including 101 infected specimens, revealed that ascitic fluid (or arterial-ascitic fluid) pH and lactate were less than 50% sensitive in detecting bacterial peritonitis and that these tests did not improve clinical decision-making about empirical treatment of suspected ascitic fluid infection. Although statistically significant differences in ascitic fluid pH were detected between infected samples and control samples, these differences did not appear to be clinically helpful. The ascitic fluid pH was 0% sensitive in detecting the presence of bacteria in the absence of neutrophils (i.e., no such specimens had a pH lower than 7.35). Ascitic fluid pH correlated well with neutrophil count and appears to be, at least in part, an indirect measure of the presence of neutrophils in ascitic fluid. Measurement of pH or lactate (or arterial-ascitic fluid gradients) is not helpful in the clinical management of infected ascitic fluid (Hepatology 1991;13:929-935.)
Spironolactone and canrenoate: Different antialdosteronic diuretic agents
Authors: Gumucio Jorge J. , Gentilini Paolo 
Published: March 2007

Plasma levels of canrenone and androgen receptoractive materials (ARM) were determined during long-term oral K-canrenoate or spironolactone therapy in cirrhotics with chronic recurrent ascites. Mean plasma canrenone level was approximately 3 times higher under K-canrenoate than under spironolactone treatment; moreover, the levels were not dose related. Either type of treatment did not affect plasma aldosterone and testosterone concentrations. Plasma ARM during K-canrenoate treatment did not change, whereas in the spironolactone group a 3-fold increase of ARM occurred (p <0.05). No dose-related effect was evident with the latter treatment. The lower incidence of gynecomastia in the K-canrenoate group was not correlated with values of plasma canrenone or ARM (p > 0.05).
Our study questions the traditional view that the mode of action of spironolactone is via its metabolite canrenone. The two antialdosterone drugs, although equally effective in clearing ascites from cirrhotics, appear to act through partially different metabolites. The lower incidence of antiandrogenic or estrogen-like side effects during K-canrenoate seems to be related to metabolites other than canrenone itself.
A randomized controlled trial of a 12-month course of recombinant human interferon-α in chronic delta (type D) hepatitis: A multicenter Italian study
Authors: Rosina Floriano , Pintus Cristina , Meschievitz Carlton , Rizzetto Mario 
Published: March 2007

To determine whether long-term therapy with recombinant interferon-α can improve the course of chronic delta hepatitis, 61 Italian patients with this disease were randomly assigned to receive either interferon-α-2b three times a week (5 MU/m2 for 4 mo and then 3 MU/m2 for another 8 mo) or no treatment. At the end of the 12-mo study, all patients were followed-up for 12 additional months. Normalization or decrease of more than 50% from baseline of serum ALT levels occurred in 42% of treated patients the fourth month of therapy, 26% the twelfth month and 3% the twenty-fourth month vs. 7%, 7% and 0%, respectively, in the control group. However, relapses occurred in 7 of 8 (87.5%) responders 1 to 10 mo (mean = 3.5 mo) after cessation of therapy.
Liver biopsies were carried out at baseline and during the twelfth month of treatment. Histological improvement, mostly caused by decrease of portal inflammation, was observed in 57% of treated and 36% of untreated patients. Measures of antiviral activity (serum hepatitis delta virus RNA and intrahepatic hepatitis delta antigen) showed similar levels in treated and control patients. In treated patients the percentage of patients who were negative for HDV RNA never exceeded that of baseline.
Although interferon-α in the dosage given in this study had no antiviral effect on patients with chronic hepatitis D, it reduced hepatic inflammation as measured by ALT levels. Whether a longer duration or reinstitution of interferon-α therapy would achieve longterm control of ALT levels and prevent chronic liver damage is not known. (Hepatology 1991;13:1052-1056.)
Eosinophil cationic protein's role in human hepatic allograft rejection
Authors: Foster Preston F. , Bhattacharyya Achyut , Sankary Howard N. , Coleman James , Ashmann Marilyn , Williams James W. 
Published: March 2007

Although it is known that eosinophils consistently infiltrate rejecting human liver allografts, their function is unknown. Infiltrating eosinophils can release a cytotoxic substance, eosinophil cationic protein. Furthermore, eosinophil cationic protein may be identified in biopsy specimens using immunoperoxidase staining of an eosinophil cationic protein-specific monoclonal antibody.
To study a possible effector role of eosinophils in rejecting liver allografts, 38 serial allograft biopsy specimens from 12 patients with acute rejection, 54 biopsy specimens from 11 patients with allograft dysfunction caused by other causes and 22 biopsy specimens from 8 patients without allograft dysfunction were stained for extracellular eosinophil cationic protein. In addition, the absolute blood eosinophil counts and the portal tract eosinophil percent of the total number of portal tract inflammatory cells were tabulated in these patients until 30 days after transplantation.
The blood absolute eosinophil count, portal tract eosinophil percent and incidence of positive extracellular eosinophil cationic protein staining were significantly increased in patients with rejection compared with patients with dysfunction from other causes (p < 0.05 to 0.005, t test). Furthermore, each of these parameters predicted rejection with excellent sensitivity (75% to 92%) and specificity (91% to 100%). Of patients with rejection, 59% had significant elevation of all three parameters before or during rejection, and 92% had at least two parameters elevated. Conversely, of the patients with dysfunction from other causes, 0% had elevations of any parameter.
The recognized cytotoxic properties of eosinophil cationic protein and its almost exclusive presence, along with eosinophils in the blood and allograft biopsy specimens of patients during acute rejection, support the role of the eosinophil as an effector cell in tissue injury during acute liver allograft rejection. (Hepatology 1991;13:1117-1125.)
Tissue distribution, quantitation and proliferation kinetics of fat-storing cells in carbon tetrachloride-injured rat liver
Authors: Geerts Albert , Lazou Jean-Marc , de Bleser Pieter , Wisse Eddie 
Published: March 2007

In this study, we have investigated the cell population kinetics of fat-storing cells in livers of rats intoxicated with CCl4. Fat-storing cells were identified in cryostat sections by immunoperoxidase staining of desmin. The peroxidase label was visualized using diaminobenzidine/hydrogen peroxide containing Ni2+ and Co2+-ions (Nico/diaminobenzidine method). In normal rats, we found 12.8 fat-storing cells/0.1 mm2 in periportal areas vs. 9.4 in pericentral fields. After one injection of CCl4, the number of pericentral cells increased gradually to reach a maximum of 39.4 cells/0.1 mm2 96 hr after injection. The desmin staining intensity of the pericentral fat-storing cells increased from 48 hr onward. At 72 to 120 hr, strongly stained cells were observed in pericentral areas and in bands of tissue between adjacent central veins, reminiscent of the connective tissue septa in fibrotic livers. In the periportal areas the number of fat-storing cells was not altered. After a second and third injection of CCl4, the number of cells increased further in the pericentral areas. When more than three injections were given, the pericentral fat-storing cell population reached a new steady state with the cell number being seven times higher than in control animals.
Proliferation of fat-storing cells at different stages of CCl4 intoxication was studied by intravenous administration of 3H-thymidine, followed by combined desmin staining and autoradiography. Autoradiographical labeling of fat-storing cells was nearly absent in control animals and at 24 hr after a single CCl4 injection. At 48 to 96 hr, labeling indices of pericentral fat-storing cells were significantly higher than in control animals, with a maximum at 72 hr when 22.9% of the cells were labeled. After multiple injections of CCl4, labeling indices between 4.9% and 8.4% were found.
We conclude that fibrogenesis is preceded by a strong expansion of the fat-storing cell population in the pericentral areas of the liver lobules and in bands of tissue between adjacent central veins. Local proliferation is an important mechanism underlying the expansion of this cell population. (Hepatology 1991;13:1193-1202.)
Liver transplantation restores female reproductive endocrine function
Authors: Brown Kimberly A. , Lucey Michael R. 
Published: March 2007

The effect of successful liver transplantation on menstrual function was assessed by questionnaire in 44 women transplanted for various types of end stage liver disease, acute liver failure or malignant disease. Significant amenorrhoea (>one year) was present in 48% of women with chronic liver disease before transplantation, and was reversed within 10 months of surgery in all but one of the pre-menopausal patients who had primary amenorrhoea and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Two patients became pregnant five months and 1-5 years after transplantation, but in one instance the pregnancy was unsuccessful, possibly as a consequence of cyclosporin related intrauterine growth retardation.
Seventeen female patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between June 1973 and June 1987 became pregnant 5 months to 11 years after transplantation. Immunosuppression was maintained with combinations of prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine prior to and during pregnancy. One patient discontinued immunosuppression after knowledge of pregnancy, taking only azathioprine sporadically. Mean age at time of delivery was 26 years. Twelve patients had no alteration in liver function studies; 7 patients demonstrated mild or moderate enzyme elevations prior to delivery, with one case of rejection confirmed by percutaneous liver biopsy. Major problems related to pregnancy were hypertension, anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Twenty live births occurred (2 patients had 2 separate pregnancies, one patient has a set of twins); 13 were by caesarian section, 7 by vaginal delivery. Eleven of the 13 caesarian births were premature by gestational age. All vaginal births were term. Toxemia of pregnancy and early rupture of membranes were the principal indications for caesarean section.
There were no congenital abnormalities or birth defects and all the children are surviving well. Fifteen of 16 children older than one year have normal physical and mental development, with one child manifesting immature speech development. Four children are under one year, all with normal milestones thus far. Sixteen of the 17 mothers are alive from 2-18 years after transplantation; the only death was from a lymphoma, almost 4 years after transplantation and 2 1/2 years after delivery. This experience suggests that women undergoing liver transplantation can safely bear children despite an increased risk of premature caesarian births. The effect of chronic immunosuppression of female pediatric patients on their reproductive potential later in adulthood remains to be fully evaluated but the results so far are favorable.
Ursodeoxycholic acid and taurine as therapy for cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Chan Mary F. , Lake John R. 
Published: March 2007

Relatively hydrophobic bile acids have been shown to produce some hepatotoxicity, whereas treatment with a more hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, has improved liver function indices in patients with certain chronic liver diseases. Taurine-conjugated bile acids are more hydrophilic than glycine-conjugated bile acids, and thus, taurine administration has also been suggested for the treatment of chronic hepatitis. To determine if taurine and ursodeoxycholic acid are beneficial and if their effects are additive, this double-blind, randomized trial was conducted to compare the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and a combination of the two on indices of liver injury in 24 patients with chronic hepatitis.
The subjects were assigned at random to two of the four following treatments: ursodeoxycholic acid (600 mg/d), taurine (1.5 g/d), ursodeoxycholic acid plus taurine (600 mg and 1.5 g/d) or placebo, given in two successive cycles of 2 months each, according to a balanced incomplete block design.
As expected, ursodeoxycholic acid became the predominant bile acid in bile when administered alone or in combination with taurine, and taurine conjugate concentrations increased during taurine administration. Ursodeoxycholic acid reduced serum aminotransaminase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities significantly, whereas taurine did not. The effects of taurine and ursodeoxycholic acid were not significantly different from those produced by ursodeoxycholic acid alone. It is concluded that ursodeoxycholic acid, but not taurine, improves biochemical indices of liver injury in patients with chronic hepatitis.
Prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus among Saudi Arabian children: A community-based study
Authors: Al-Faleh Faleh Z. , Ayoola Ayobanji E. , Al-Jeffry Mohammed , Al-Rashed Rashed , Al-Mofarreh Mohammed , Arif Mohammed , Ramia Sami , Al-Karawi Mohammed , Al-Shabrawy Mohammed 
Published: March 2007

In a population-based survey, 39 (0.90%) of 4,496 Saudi Arabian children (ages 1 to 10) were positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus. No significant difference was seen between the prevalence rate in males (0.9%) and females (0.8%) or between urban (0.7%) and rural dwellers (1.0%). A significant variation of rates (0% to 5.7%) was seen from one region to another. The Gizan population, noted for hyperendemic hepatitis B virus infection, had the highest prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus despite its cultural and socioeconomic similarities to other regions. In some regions of Saudi Arabia the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus among children was 0% despite endemic rates for both hepatitis B virus and hepatitis A virus infections.
An inverse relationship between age and antibody to hepatitis C virus positivity was noted, suggesting an early acquisition of infection in the population studied. Although the overall prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in Saudi children appears low, endemic foci exist where transmission of infection appears to occur early in childhood. The significance of this characteristic for the incidence of chronic sequelae of hepatitis C virus infection needs further evaluation. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:215-218.)