bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Caspase Inhibitor, IDN-6556, Ameliorates Early Hepatic Injury in An Ex Vivo Rat Model of Warm and Cold Ischemia†
Authors: Hoglen Niel C. , Anselmo Dean M. , Katori Masamichi , Kaldas Marian , Shen Xiu-Da , Valentino Karen L. , Lassman Charles , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. , Farmer Douglas G. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
This study examined the efficacy of the caspase inhibitor, IDN-6556, in a rat model of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Livers from male Sprague-Dawley rats were reperfused for 120 minutes after 24 hours of 4°C cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution. Portal blood flow measurements estimated sinusoidal resistance, and bile production, alanine aminotransferase activities, and Suzuki scores were evaluated as parameters of hepatocyte/liver injury. Treated livers were exposed to 25 or 50 μM of IDN-6556 in University of Wisconsin storage solution and/or the perfusate. All treatment regimens with IDN-6556 significantly improved portal blood flow measured at 120 minutes, and significant improvements were seen as early as 30 minutes when inhibitor was also present in the perfusate (P < 0.01). All treatment groups with IDN-6556 significantly increased bile production by 3-4-fold compared with controls (P < 0.01), and reductions in alanine aminotransferase activities were seen within 90 minutes of reperfusion (P < 0.05). These data were confirmed by improved Suzuki scores (less sinusoidal congestion, necrosis, and vacuolization) in all treated groups. Livers from the IDN-6556–treated groups had markedly reduced caspase activities and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling)-positive cells, suggesting reductions in apoptosis. IDN-6556 present in cold storage media ameliorated liver injury due to cold ischemia and reperfusion injury and may be a rational therapeutic approach to reduce the risk of liver ischemia in the clinical setting. Liver Transpl 13: 361–366, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Low Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Recurrence After Withdrawal of Long-Term Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin in Patients Receiving Maintenance Nucleos(T)Ide Analogue Therapy
Authors: Wong Stephen N. , Chu Chi-Jen , Wai Chun-Tao , Howell Terese , Moore Charles , Fontana Robert J. , Lok Anna S.F. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence rates of 0-16% had been reported in patients maintained on nucleoside analogues (NA) after hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) discontinuation after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, follow-up in most studies was short. We aimed to determine the long-term risk of HBV recurrence using this strategy. All HBV patients who received ≥7 doses of intravenous HBIG after OLT, with no HBV recurrence while receiving HBIG, and who eventually discontinued HBIG and were maintained on NA, were included. HBV recurrence was defined as HBsAg-positive or HBV DNA ≥5 log copies/mL on 2 consecutive occasions. Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Immediate post-OLT prophylaxis was combination HBIG and NA in 15 patients, whereas 6 patients received HBIG monotherapy for 62-109 months before NA was added. HBIG was discontinued a median of 26 (range, 0.2-121) months after OLT. Median follow-up post-HBIG discontinuation was 40 (range, 5-51) months. Only 1 patient, who had 12 months of HBIG and was noncompliant to NA therapy, had HBV recurrence, 34 months after HBIG discontinuation. One patient had HBV DNA of 3.3 log copies/mL 47 and 48 months after HBIG discontinuation but remained HBsAg-negative. Lamivudine-resistant mutations were detected in both patients. Probability of HBV recurrence was 0% and 9% at 2 and 4 years after HBIG discontinuation. Three patients had 1-2 episodes of transiently detectable HBV DNA. All were HBV DNA and HBsAg negative on repeated tests over a period of 2-36 months. Maintenance therapy with NA after discontinuation of long-term HBIG therapy is associated with a low risk of HBV recurrence after OLT in compliant HBV patients. Liver Transpl 13:374–381, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
De Novo Esophageal Neoplasia After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Presser Sabine J. , Schumacher Guido , Neuhaus Ruth , Thuss-Patience Peter , Stieler Jens , Neuhaus Peter 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and influence on survival of patients with de novo esophageal cancer after liver transplantation (LT). From 1988 to 2006, 1,926 patients underwent LT in our institution. A total of 9 patients (0.5%) developed a de novo esophageal cancer and 1 patient a cancer of the cardia (0.05%). A retrospective analysis was performed to reveal underlying diseases, timeframes between LT and appearance of cancer, predisposing factors, cancer therapy, complications, immunosuppressive regimens, and survival. Of our 10 patients, 7 (70%) suffered from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3 patients (30%) developed an adenocarcinoma, including the patient with cancer of the cardia. A total of 9 patients were transplanted due to alcoholic cirrhosis; 1 patient suffered from hepatocellular carcinoma in nonA-nonB hepatitis-related cirrhosis. Median time to tumor diagnosis was 51 months after transplantation. A total of 5 patients were treated conservatively with combined radiochemotherapy and 5 underwent surgical resection. Patients with radiochemotherapy showed a mean survival of 14.8 months vs. 24.8 months for the patients of the surgery group. No major postoperative complication has been observed. A total of 2 patients of the surgery group are still alive after a follow-up of 15 and 89 months. In conclusion, de novo esophageal and cancer of the cardia after LT is a rare event. In spite of immunosuppression, no increased complication rate has been observed. Patients may have a survival benefit from surgical resection. Liver Transpl 13:443–450, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Combined En Bloc Liver Pancreas Transplantation for Children with CF
Authors: Mekeel Kristin L. , Langham Max R. , Gonzalez-Perralta Regino , Reed Alan , Hemming Alan W. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic defect in epithelial chloride transport that results a multisystem disease affecting the sweat glands and the pulmonary and digestive systems. Although pulmonary disease remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients, up to 8% may develop focal biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Liver transplantation is an accepted therapy for these patients. About 85% of CF patients develop pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and up to 34% will develop diabetes requiring insulin. We describe a series of 9 patients who underwent liver transplantation (6 transplantation of liver only [LO], and 3 combined en bloc liver-pancreas [LP] transplantation) for CF-related liver disease at our institution,. All 9 patients had pretransplant pancreatic exocrine insufficiency requiring enzyme supplementation. Of the 9, 5 patients (55%) had preoperative insulin dependent diabetes, including all 3 patients who underwent liver pancreas transplantation. Liver-pancreas transplants were performed en bloc. One-year patient survival for both LO and LP patients was 100%. Five-year patient survival was 83% for the LO patients and 100% for the LP patients. All LP patients are off insulin and do not require pancreatic enzyme supplementation. All patients receiving LO continue to need exogenous pancreatic enzyme supplementation. In the 6 patients who received LO, 2 were insulin dependent prior to surgery, and they remain insulin dependent after transplant. Of the 4 patients who received LO who were not insulin dependent pretransplant, 3 have now developed insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients receiving LO were more likely to be diabetic and require exogenous pancreatic enzymes after transplant than those receiving LP (83% vs. 0%, P = 0.04, and 100% vs. 0%, P = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, patients with CF and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation may benefit from combined liver-pancreas transplantation. Liver Transpl 13:406–409, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Early Immunological Monitoring After Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Gras Jérémie , Wieërs Grégoire , Vaerman Jean-Luc , Truong Dinh Quang , Sokal Etienne , Otte Jean-Bernard , Délépaut Béatrice , Cornet Anne , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Latinne Dominique , Reding Raymond 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Cytokine deviation may be a factor contributing to graft acceptance. We analyze, in the context of liver transplantation, circulating cytokine levels and their mRNA precursors in liver biopsy samples to study a putative correlation with early immunologic outcome. Forty primary pediatric liver recipients were submitted to a prospective immune monitoring protocol, including 8 of 40 patients with an early, biopsy-proven acute rejection episode. The 32 patients with graft acceptance showed markedly increased interleukin (IL)-10 blood levels at 2 hours after reperfusion on days 1 and 4 after transplantation as compared with baseline, whereas patients with graft rejection only exhibited increased IL-10 levels at 2 hours. A good correlation was observed between IL-10 peripheral levels and levels ascertained by IL-10 reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction at 2 hours and on day 7. Patients with graft acceptance also showed a decrease in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) at 1 and 2 hours after reperfusion on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28 after transplantation. One patient with graft tolerance who had subsequent immunosuppression withdrawal after posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease showed a similar intraoperative IL-10 pattern, whereas posttransplantation tumor necrosis factor alpha and IFN-γ levels greatly decreased. The occurrence of cytokine immune deviation may therefore be related to early graft acceptance in children who receive liver transplants. Liver Transpl 13:426–433, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Expanded Criteria for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Onaca Nicholas , Davis Gary L. , Goldstein Robert M. , Jennings Linda W. , Klintmalm Göran B. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common indication for liver transplantation (LT). Currently, deceased donor LT is approved by the United Network for Organ Sharing for patients with HCC who meet the Milan criteria of a single tumor up to 5 cm or up to 3 tumors up to 3 cm as determined by imaging studies. We analyzed data in the International Registry of Hepatic Tumors in Liver Transplantation from 1,206 patients with HCC. Tumor size and number were determined by gross pathologic examination. Kaplan-Meier recurrence-free survival in patients with a single tumor ≤5 cm or 2-3 lesions all ≤3 cm in diameter was 84.7% at 1 year and 61.8% at 5 years. Overall, patients whose tumor or tumors exceeded these limits had worse survival (67.2% at 1 year and 42.8% at 5 years, P < 0.001); however, not all patients in this group did poorly. Patients with 2-4 tumors ≤5 cm or single lesions ≤6 cm had recurrence-free survival equivalent to patients with a single tumor of 3.1-5.0 cm or 2-3 lesions all ≤3 cm in diameter. These data suggest that current criteria for selecting tumor patients for LT may be too restrictive and could be expanded. Liver Transpl 13:391–399, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Screening for Portopulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Perkins James D. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is the elevation of pulmonary artery pressure due to increased resistance to pulmonary blood flow in the setting of portal hypertension. Increased mortality has occurred with attempted liver transplantation in such patients and thus, screening for POPH is advised. We examined the relationship between screening echocardiography and right heart catheterization determinations of pressure, flow, volume, and resistance. A prospective, echocardiography-catheterization algorithm was followed from 1996 to 2005. Consecutive transplantation candidates underwent Doppler echocardiography to determine right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Of 1,235 patients, 101 with RVSP >50 mm Hg underwent catheterization to measure mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), flow via cardiac output (CO), central volume via pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), and resistance via calculated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Bland-Altman analysis suggested marked discordance between echocardiography-derived RVSP and catheterization results. All-cause pulmonary hypertension (MPAP >25 mm Hg) was documented in 90/101 (90%) patients. Using current pressure and resistance diagnostic guidelines (MPAP >25 mm Hg, PVR ≥240 dynes/s/cm−5), POPH was documented in 66/101 (65%) patients. Elevated MPAP was due to increased CO and/or PAOP in 35/101 (35%) patients with normal resistance (PVR <240 dynes/s/cm−5). The transpulmonary gradient (MPAP-PAOP) further characterized POPH in the presence of increased volume. Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores correlated poorly with MPAP and PVR.

In conclusion

, right heart catheterization is necessary to confirm POPH and frequently identifies other reasons for pulmonary hypertension (

e.g.,

high flow and increased central volume) in liver transplantation candidates. Severity of POPH correlates poorly with MELD scores. (Hepatology 2006;44:1502-1510.) © 2007 AASLD.
Early Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema and the Use of PEEP and Prone Ventilation After Emergency Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sykes E. , Cosgrove J. F. , Nesbitt I. D. , O'Suilleabhain C. B. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in liver transplant recipients is usually secondary to TRALI (transfusion related acute lung injury) or liver ischemic-reperfusion injury. If persistent, the resultant hypoxemia is associated with increased ventilator days, prolonged length of stay (intensive care and hospital) and increased 28-day mortality. Ventilation strategies for the management of hypoxemia in acute lung injury include moderate to high levels of PEEP (positive and expiratory pressure) and prone ventilation (PV). Such strategies have theoretical adverse effects on graft perfusion. Evidence does however exist to demonstrate that maintenance of cardiac output and correct positioning of the prone patient to allow abdominal excursion can negate the deleterious effects of PEEP and PV. A liver transplant recipient became profoundly hypoxemic on our intensive care unit following the onset of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. A risk-benefit assessment performed at the time deemed that the potential adverse effects of PEEP and PV were outweighed by the life-threatening nature of hypoxemia. The patient's condition improved following prone positioning and application of PEEP (10-15 cm H2O). We conclude that such ventilation strategies are appropriate in hypoxemic liver transplant recipients if an appropriate risk-benefit assessment is performed. Liver Transpl 13:459–462, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Synthesis of Poly(L‐lactide)‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes by Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Chen Guang‐Xin , Kim Hun‐Sik , Park Byung Hyun , Yoon Jin‐San 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMWNTs are modified to possess hydroxy groups and are used as coinitiators to polymerize L‐lactide by the surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization. FT‐IR and TEM observations reveal that the PLLA is covalently attached to the MWNTs (MWNT‐g‐PLLA), and the weight gain as a result of the functionalization is determined by TGA analysis. Two kinds of solvents, namely DMF and toluene, are used to carry out the two series of polymerizations at 140 and 70 °C, respectively, for 2–20 h. The amount of grafted PLLA increases with the reaction time either in DMF or in toluene, but it increases more significantly in DMF at 140 than in toluene at 70 °C, with the reaction time being the same. The grafted PLLA layer on the MWNT is more uniform when the reaction is performed in DMF than in toluene, and some bare surfaces are observed in the TEM image of the MWNT‐g‐PLLA prepared in toluene. The MWNT‐g‐PLLAs are well dispersed in the organic solvents as well as in the PLLA matrix. Incorporation of MWNT‐g‐PLLA greatly improves the tensile modulus and strength without a significant loss of the elongation at break. The specific interaction between the MWNT‐g‐PLLA and the polymer matrix is quantified by way of the Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter, B, which is determined by combining the melting point depression and the binary interaction model.magnified image
Non‐Isothermal Crystallisation Kinetics of In Situ Prepared Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Surface‐Treated SiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Vassiliou Alexandros A. , Papageorgiou George Z. , Achilias Dimitrios S. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPoly(ε‐caprolactone)/silica nanocomposites were prepared by the in situ technique. The molecular weight of the polymer was slightly reduced on increasing the amount of filler. Most likely, the silica nanoparticles affected the action of the polymerisation catalyst. Furthermore, it was found that especially for high filler content the silica nanoparticles showed a trend to form aggregates. The non‐isothermal crystallisation of these hybrid organic/inorganic materials was studied. The crystallisation rates seemed to increase upon increasing the content of silica nanoparticles in the composites. When the silica content was above 5 wt.‐%, the molecular weight of the polymer in the hybrids decreased, and the increase in the crystallisation rates was attributed to both the nucleating effect of the nanoparticles and the lower molecular weight. The modified Avrami and Ozawa model were used to study the crystallisation kinetics. It was found that both of the models gave satisfactory results. The nucleation activity of the filler was estimated. The effective activation energy for the non‐isothermal crystallisation was calculated using the isoconversion method of Friedman and the results were compared to those from Kissinger's method. The activation energy was found to decrease upon increasing the filler content, showing that the crystallisation is favoured.magnified image
Melt Crystallization and Morphology of Poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) under High Pressure
Authors: Lu Jun , Huang Rui , Oh Il‐Kwon 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe high‐pressure melt‐crystallization behaviors of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) (PPS) were investigated using WAXD, DSC, TEM and SEM. PPS extended‐chain crystals with c‐axis thickness exceeding 4.5 µm were formed at high pressure. The DSC results showed that the melting temperature and melting enthalpy of high‐pressure crystallized PPS samples were up to 327.53 °C and 94.96 J · g−1, respectively, which were higher than the values of ideal PPS perfect crystals used by some researchers, and the melting enthalpy of the samples fluctuated regularly during the thickening growth of the PPS crystals. Other characteristic morphologies obtained at high pressure, i.e. spherulites and rod‐like crystals, were also presented with the SEM measurements.magnified image
Microwave‐Assisted Single‐Step Synthesis of Poly(lactic acid) by Direct Polycondensation of Lactic Acid
Authors: Nagahata Ritsuko , Sano Daisuke , Suzuki Hidematsu , Takeuchi Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe microwave‐assisted direct polycondensation of LA to synthesize PLA has been studied. Microwave irradiation strikingly accelerates the polymerization rate of LA compared to conventional heating. By use of a binary catalyst of SnCl2/p‐TsOH, PLA with a $\overline M _{\rm w}$ of 16 000 is obtained within 30 min under a reduced pressure of around 30 mmHg. MALDI‐TOF MS measurements reveal that the PLA formed is mainly composed of linear polymer and macrocyclics.magnified image
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas induced in syrian hamsters by N‐nitrosobis (2‐oxopropyl) amine contain a c‐Ki‐ras oncogene with a point‐mutated codon 12
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Egami Hiroshi , Chaney William , Pour Parviz , Pelling Jill 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe have used the polymerase chain reaction and dideoxynucleotide sequencing to amplify and sequence exons 1 and 2 of the c‐Ki‐ras proto‐oncogene from the normal Syrian golden hamster. Similar methods were employed to screen for the presence of point mutations in the c‐Ki‐ras oncogene in primary hamster pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDC) induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐oxopropyl)amine (BOP). A GGT to GAT point mutation was detected in codon 12 of the c‐Ki‐ras gene in 10 primary hamster PDCs. This same point mutation was present in two nonclonal cell lines, PC‐1 and PC‐1‐0, established from tumors that were produced in hamsters by subcutaneously implanting a preparation of minced BOP‐induced PDC. Two clonal cell lines, CI‐3 and CI‐7, were cloned from the PC‐1 cell line, and these cell lines also carried the GAT point mutation at codon 12. This point mutation was the same as that detected in > 75% of adenocarcinomas from the human exocrine pancreas. Thus, our findings provide further validation for the use of the BOP‐induced hamster PDC model as a relevant experimental model for human pancreas cancer: not only did the hamster pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas closely resemble their human counterpart in histopathological morphology and sequential development, but they also contained the same point mutation in codon 12 of the c‐Ki‐ras oncogene, as has been reported for human pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Preferential methylation of the Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene by methylnitrosourea in rat mammary glands
Authors: Lu Shi‐Jiang , Milligan Jamie R. , Archer Michael C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractActivation of the Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene, but not the Ki‐ras or N‐ras genes, has been found in mammary gland carcinomas induced in female rats by a single dose of methylnitrosourea (MNU). Here we show that a 10‐kb restriction fragment containing the Ha‐ras gene was extensively methylated by MNU in DNA isolated from mammary glands of female rats 4 h after carcinogen treatment. Fragments of similar size containing either the Ki‐ras or N‐ras genes were methylated less extensively. The extent of methylation of the three ras genes by MNU correlated with their transcriptional activity. These results suggest that the extent of interaction of a carcinogen with an oncogene, which depends on its transcriptional activity, may be a factor in determining whether the gene is mutated during the initiation of carcinogenesis.
Protein synthesis—dependent cytoplasmic translocation of p53 protein after serum stimulation of growth‐arrested MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhide , Sumimoto Hidetoshi , Suzuki Katsuo , Ono Tetsuo 
Published: February 2007

Abstractp53 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of growing and in the nucleus of growth‐arrested MCF‐7 cells. While the absolute amount and rate of synthesis of p53 in growing and arrested cells were nearly the same, the protein in growing cells was phosphorylated to a greater extent than in arrested cells. The abilities of the cytoplasmic and nuclear p53 proteins to bind to DNA sequences specific for p53 protein binding did not differ remarkably despite their differential phosphorylation levels. Serum‐induced translocation of the p53 protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, as well as DNA and protein synthesis, were inhibited by cycloheximide. These results suggest that the DNA synthesis—associated cytoplasmic translocation of p53 protein in response to serum stimulation depends on de novo protein synthesis and not on alteration of the protein's ability to bind to specific DNA sequences. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.