bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of duodenal ulcer in Indochinese immigrants attending an Australian university hospital
Authors: KOLT S. D. , KRONBORG I. J. , YEOMANS N. D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIndochinese migrants to Australia appear to have a high prevalence of duodenal ulcer (DU). To examine this hypothesis a 2 year audit of the prevalence of symptomatic DU among patients attending a general hospital was conducted. The last 6 months of this period included a prospective assessment of ulcer risk factors. In Australian‐born patients DU prevalence was 8.4 per 1000 admissions. By comparison, prevalence in Indochinese was 24.6 per 1000 admissions (P < 0.001) with an age standardized prevalence of 30.3 per 1000 (P <0.001). This represented a relative risk in Indochinese of 2.9 using crude data and 3.6 after age standardization. The increased risk was demonstrated only in males: very few DU were diagnosed in female Indochinese. Ulcer prevalence increased in Indochinese for each age decile between 10 and 80 years, with statistical significance (P < 0.01) reached in the age brackets 0–19, 20–39 and 60–79 years. Ulcer prevalence was also increased in some other ethnic groups. However, when referral bias was taken into account (by calculating the ratio of endoscopies to total admissions for each group), a significant increase in DU prevalence could only be confidently demonstrated in Indochinese. Analysis of risk factors showed that among DU patients, Indochinese were significantly less likely to smoke (P < 0.05) and also had a tendency to ingest less non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and to consume less alcohol.
Safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis A vaccine in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: HORNG YOW‐CHERNG , CHANG MEI‐HWEI , LEE CHIN‐YUN , SAFARY A. , ANDRE FRANCIS E. , CHEN DING‐SHINN 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe immunogenicity and adverse reaction of an inactivated hepatitis A (HA) vaccine were investigated. Sixty healthy adult volunteers who lacked antibody to HA virus (anti‐HAV) received three doses of vaccine containing 720 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) units (EL.U) according to a 0, 1 and 6 month schedule. Blood tests for serum liver enzymes and anti‐HAV were performed at screening 7 days prior to, and 1, 6 and 7 months after the first dose. Anti‐HAV was tested by radio immunoassay and ELISA for titre determination. The seroconversion rates measured by ELISA were 98.3% (59/60) at months 1 and 6 and 100% at month 7. Sixty‐one per cent (109/180) of the documented injections were followed by local symptoms, essentially mild soreness at the site of injection; and 22.2% (40/180) by minor general symptoms including malaise, fatigue and lethargy. It is concluded that HA vaccine is highly immunogenic and safe. It may replace immunoglobulin as an effective method of preventing HA virus infection in adults.
Nipradilol, a new β‐blocker with vasodilatory properties, in experimental portal hypertension: A comparative haemodynamic study with propranolol
Authors: UM SOONHO , NISHIDA OSAMU , TOKUBAYASHI MASAKI , KIMURA FUMIKO , KITA TORU 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe haemodynamic effects of nipradilol, a new non‐selective β‐adrenoreceptor blocker with vasodilating actions like nitroglycerin, were examined in rats with portal hypertension due to portal vein stenosis. Portal hypertensive rats were divided into five groups receiving infusion of placebo, 3 mg of propranolol, 300, 600 and 1200 μg of nipradilol. At its highest dose, nipradilol achieved a reduction of 34.4 ± 4.4% in heart rate which was similar to that in the propranolol group (36.5 ± 2.4%). Also for other systemic haemodynamic parameters, the nipradilol 1200 μg group exhibited changes not significantly different from those in the propranolol group; mean arterial pressure (‐ 13 vs ‐ 14%), cardiac index (‐ 37 vs ‐ 31%) and systemic vascular resistance (+ 29 vs+ 32%). In contrast to the similar changes in the systemic circulation, a 1200 μg dose of nipradilol lowered portal pressure significantly more than propranolol (‐ 4.3 ± 0.6 vs ‐ 2.9 ± 0.2 mmHg, P≤ 0.05). Nipradilol then reduced portal blood flow by 22% (P≤ 0.05) without a significant change in portocollateral resistance. On the other hand, propranolol not only caused a reduction in portal blood flow of 30% (P≤ 0.01), but also an increase in portocollateral resistance of 21% (P≤ 0.05). The results suggest that nipradilol may ensure a more effective control of portal hypertension than propranolol, presumably via its venodilatory action on portocollateral vessels.
Local spread of HDV infection transiently occurring in Japan
Authors: IWANAMI EIICHI , YANO MICHITAMI , KOGA MICHIAKI , SHIRAHAMA SATOSHI , TSUDA TOMIYASU 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and patients with acute hepatitis B living in the Kamigoto islands, a part of Japan with a high incidence of HBV carriage, were retrospectively tested for serum anti‐hepatitis D virus (anti‐HDV) and they were compared with the inhabitants of Oita City (an area with an average HBV carriage rate).The prevalence of anti‐HDV in HBV‐infected individuals was 8.3% (42/507) in Kamigoto and 0% (0/101) in Oita City. With one exception, all of the positive serum samples in Kamigoto were collected before 1986, and the mean age of the positive individuals was significantly younger than that of the negative individuals (P < 0.005). Among the 42 anti‐HDV‐positive patients, nine (21%) had definite liver disease. The route of infection was uncertain in most cases (i.e. sporadic), but two pairs of mothers and children were detected.Although the prevalence of anti‐HDV positivity in Japan has been reported to be very low (about 1% or less), the present investigation showed that the local spread of HDV infection in Kamigoto occurred on a minor scale up to 1986. The infections presumably resulted from the closed environment and the high incidence of HBV carriage in these islands. Accordingly, there could be a considerable risk of the outbreak of HDV infection in the future under similar conditions, even in countries where the disease has never been detected previously.
A follow up of 53 adult patients alive beyond 2 years following liver transplantation
Authors: McCAUGHAN G. W. , O'BRIEN E. , SHEIL A. G. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAlthough hepatic transplantation is now a well‐accepted treatment modality for end‐stage liver diseases there are little detailed data on the clinical profile of patients who survive beyond 1 year following transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop a cross‐sectional profile on 53 adults who have survived beyond 2 years following liver transplantation. These patients have been followed for a mean of 43.5 months (range 24–84) since the time of transplant. Nineteen patients had persisting liver enzyme abnormalities, 11 due to chronic viral hepatitis (seven hepatitis C virus, three hepatitis B virus), four due to biliary disease. Two had post severe rejection, one steatosis secondary to obesity while in one the aetiology was unclear. Nineteen (36%) of patients required anti‐hypertensive medications. The median doses of Prednisone, Cyclosporin and Imuran were 7.5, 300 and 50 mg daily, respectively. The mean serum creatinine was 117 ± 27 μmol/L. However 22 (41%) had an elevated serum creatinine (> 120 μmol/L) but in only seven was the serum creatinine > 150 μmol/L. Fourteen (26%) of patients were obese (body mass index > 30) whilst 46% had a higher than recommended serum cholesterol (mean level 5.6 ± 1.5 μmol/L). There has only been one case of internal malignancy (lymphoma) although 19 patients attend regular dermatological review for skin cancer surveillance. Forty‐eight patients had a Karnofsky Score > 80.In conclusion, the vast majority of these patients have excellent clinical function but some caution is required with respect to renal function, hypertension, obesity and mild hypercholesterolaemia. Persisting liver abnormalities in 37% of patients highlight the need for continued close monitoring in the long term.
Low prevalences of HBV and HCV infection in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in Taiwan: A case control study
Authors: CHIEN RONG‐NAN , SHEEN I‐SHAYN , LIAW YUN‐FAN 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo study the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) against the background of HBV and HCV infection in the general population, serum specimens from a consecutive series of 27 patients with PBC and 108 age/sex matched ‘healthy subjects’ as control group were submitted to assays for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV). None of the patients with PBC were HBsAg or anti‐HCV positive while 17 (15.7%) and 6 (5.6%) of ‘healthy’ controls were HBsAg positive and anti‐HCV positive (P= 0.017 and 0.26). Patients with PBC also had a significantly lower prevalence of HBV infection than matched controls (70.4%vs 88.9%, P= 0.022). The results suggest that neither HBV nor HCV plays any significant role in the pathogenesis of PBC, and that PBC would not develop or be masked in patients with HBV or HCV infection.
Neuronal nitric oxide in the gut
Authors: BROOKES SIMON J. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMotility of the gastrointestinal tract is directly controlled by enteric inhibitory and excitatory motor neurons that innervate the layers of smooth muscle. Inhibitory motor neurons mediate receptive and accommodative relaxations and control the opening of sphincters, thus playing an important role in normal gut motility. Recent studies have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is an important neurotransmitter released by inhibitory motor neurons in animal and human gut. Antagonists of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the synthetic enzyme for NO, reduce the effectiveness of transmission from inhibitory motor neurons. Exogenous NO mimics inhibitory nerve activation, and a variety of compounds that affect the availability of endogenously produced NO modulate relaxations of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. It is clear, however, that NO is unlikely to be the only transmitter released by enteric inhibitory motor neurons: several other substances such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), or related peptides, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are also likely to contribute to nerve‐mediated inhibition. The identification of NO as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter to gastrointestinal smooth muscle fills an important gap in our understanding of the physiological control of motility and opens up a wide range of new experimental possibilities. It may eventually lead to the development of new drugs for motility disorders. It should be noted, however, that NO is important in the brain, in cardiovascular control, in blood cell function and in many other organ systems, suggesting that it may be difficult to achieve specific pharmacological intervention targeted on inhibitory neurotransmission in the gut, without undesirable side effects.
Vaccines against hepatitis A and B
Authors: HILLEMAN M. R. , CALANDRA G. B. , HESLEY T. M. , NALIN D. R. , RYAN J. L. , WEST D. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHepatitis B virus infection is preventable by vaccine and the correlate of immunity is the induction of antibody. The 2.5 μg antigen per dose of H‐B‐VAX II given in appropriate regimens is adequate to immunize normal newborn infants and children up to 11 years of age. A 5 μg dose may be needed to protect newborn infants born to mothers who are carriers of hepatitis B infection and should be used when the carrier status is either positive or is unknown. The immune response in newborn infants is usually of lower titre than in infants who are 2–3 months of age or older. The level of protection afforded in otherwise healthy individuals by plasma‐derived vaccine is high and lasts for longer than 7 years, even though the level of circulating antibody may have declined to a less than detectable amount. A similar pattern of antibody decline follows administration of recombinant vaccine. The mechanism for sustained protection is in long‐term immunological memory with rapid recall of antibody production on exposure to the virus in nature. Administration of hepatitis B vaccine will be simplified by combination with DPT and poliomyelitis vaccines in single‐dose formulations that are under current development.An experimentally killed hepatitis A virus vaccine prepared by formaldehyde inactivation of attenuated live virus purified from infected MRC‐5 cell cultures induces rapid and high level antibody response when the vaccine is given in as little as 100 ng of antigen per dose and in two‐ or three‐dose regimens. The vaccine is highly protective when assayed in challenge studies in animals and the levels of antibodies achieved are far in excess of those provided by immune globulin when used for passive protection in humans. Field investigations to demonstrate protective efficacy against natural challenge in human beings have been in progress and protective efficacy has been established.
Laparoscopic observation of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma
Authors: TAKEUCHI Y. , FUJINAMI S. , KITAGAWA S. , SHIRO T. , FUJII T. , FUKUI Y. , KAWASHIMA Y. , KUBOTA Y. , SHIOZAKI Y. , INOUE K. , KITADE H. , HIRAMATSU Y. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract A case of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma observed laparoscopically is reported. In a 60 year old asymptomatic male patient, an 8 cm multi‐loculated cystic lesion was detected incidentally near the splenic hilum with ultrasonography. Endosonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the lesion with thin wall and clear fluid.Laparoscopy showed a thin‐walled cyst with smooth surface, and straw‐coloured clear fluid was observed through the wall. These findings suggested benign aetiology, and seemed to be characteristic of cystic lymphangioma. The tumour was resected, and microscopic examination showed proliferated lymph channels intespersed by lymph follicles. Diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma was established. Laparoscopy seems a useful pre‐operative method.
Effect of oral zinc supplementation on metallothionein and superoxide dismutase concentrations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: MULDER T. P. J. , VEER A. VAN DER SLUYS , VERSPAGET H. W. , GRIFFIOEN G. , PEÑA A. S. , JANSSENS A. R. , LAMERS C. B. H. W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOxygen‐derived free radicals may contribute to intestinal tissue damage in inflammatory bowel disease. The concentrations of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase, two copper and zinc containing proteins involved in the scavenging of free radicals, were previously found to be decreased in the intestinal mucosa of patients with this disorder. The plasma zinc concentration is often decreased also in these patients. Since zinc is reported to be an efficient inducer of metallothionein synthesis, and probably of superoxide dismutase, we evaluated the effect of oral zinc supplementation on metallothionein and superoxide dismutase levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Fourteen patients with inactive to moderately active inflammatory bowel disease received oral zinc supplementation (300 mg zinc aspartate, equal to 60 mg elemental zinc per day) for 4 weeks in a placebo‐controlled double‐blind cross‐over trial. The plasma zinc concentration of these patients was low at the start of the study (12.2 ± 1.7 μmol/L,P<0.05), when compared to that of 22 healthy controls (13.6 ± 2.3 μmol/L), but increased (P<0.05) towards the levels of controls during the supplementation period (13.3 ± 2.5 μmol/L). The concentrations of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase in plasma and in erythrocytes did not change in relation to the supplementation. The metallothionein concentration in both inflamed and non‐inflamed intestinal mucosa was slightly higher after zinc supplementation but the superoxide dismutase concentration in the tissue was not altered. The histological inflammation score of intestinal biopsies, plasma albumin levels, and the disease activity index of the patients did not change during the study. Thus, although zinc supplementation therapy increased plasma zinc concentrations, there was no effect on the plasma, erythrocyte and mucosal metalloprotein levels in inactive to moderately active patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Stereospecific effects of tryptophan on gastric emptying and hunger in humans
Authors: CARNEY BERNARD I. , JONES KAREN L. , HOROWITZ MICHAEL , SUN WEI MING , HEBBARD GEOFFREY , EDELBROEK MICHELA A. L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe amino acid tryptophan (tryp) is a potent inhibitor of gastric emptying in both animals and humans. Animal studies suggest that this effect may be specific for the L‐enantiomer. The effects of D‐ and L‐tryptophan on gastric emptying, intragastric distribution and appetite in humans were evaluated. Ten volunteers ingested 300 mL of either L‐tryp (50 mmol/L), D‐tryp (50 mmol/L) or normal saline labelled with 99mTc sulfur colloid on three occasions, separated by between 3 and 7 days. Hunger and fullness were measured with a visual analogue scale at ‐2, 15, 30 and 60 min after ingestion of each drink. Saline emptied faster from the stomach than both L‐tryp and D‐tryp (P <0.05) and D‐tryp emptied faster than L‐tryp (P <0.005). Emptying from the proximal stomach was fastest for saline (P <0.05) and faster for D‐tryp than L‐tryp (P <0.005). Emptying from the distal stomach was faster for saline than both D‐ and L‐tryp (P <0.05). A reduction in hunger (P <0.05) and a non‐significant trend for an increase in fullness were observed after all three drinks. At 60 min, fullness was greater after L‐tryp than after ingestion of D‐tryp (P <0.01). These observations indicate that the effect of tryptophan on gastric emptying in humans is stereospecific, consistent with the concept that stereospecific receptors for tryptophan exist in the human small intestine.
Serum α2‐macroglobulin–trypsin complex and early recognition of severe acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde pancreatography
Authors: NAKAE YASUYUKI , HAYAKAWA TETSUO , KONDO TAKAHARU , SHIBATA TOKIMUNE , KITAGAWA MOTOJI , SAKAI YUZO , SOBAJIMA HIROSHI , ISHIGURO HIROSHI , TANIKAWA MAKOTO 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSerum α2‐macroglobulin‐trypsin complex (α2M‐T) was measured to differentiate the elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes caused by severe acute pancreatitis from simple elevation after endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). A patient with severe acute pancreatitis demonstrated marked elevation of serum α2M‐T. In patients without severe acute pancreatitis, serum αM‐T did not rise in spite of elevated serum pancreatic enzymes. In conclusion, abdominal pain with elevated serum α2M‐T can be an early diagnostic clue to severe acute pancreatitis after ERP.
Don't forget prostatic carcinoma in abdominal carcinomatosis
Authors: HOUGHTON A. , MARSH J. , SOPHER M. , STOKER A. , VANDAL M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAn incarcerated hernia containing peritoneal secondaries from carcinoma of the prostate is presented. Abdominal carcinomatosis may be due to a prostatic primary and will benefit from hormonal treatment.
Loss of heterozygosity and analysis of mutation of p53 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: YUMOTO YASUHIRO , HANAFUSA TADASHI , HADA HAJIME , MORITA TAKECHIYO , OOGUCHI SOUHEI , SHINJI NORIYUKI , MITANI TSUYOSHI , HAMAYA KAZUO , KOIDE NORIO , TSUJI TAKAO 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Thirty‐six hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues obtained from 34 patients were classified according to histological diagnosis into six well‐differentiated HCC, 20 moderately differentiated HCC and 10 poorly differentiated HCC. High molecular weight DNA was prepared from each tumour and the corresponding non‐tumour tissue. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomes 4q, 5q, 10q, 11p, 16q, 17p, mutation of the p53 gene and polymorphism of intron 25 of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene were simultaneously analysed. The patients were composed of three cases of small HCC (the diameter of which was < 3 cm) and 31 cases of advanced HCC. Twenty‐nine of 34 (85.3%) patients analysed had been exposed to hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus. The frequencies of LOH on seven chromosomes were 57.9% in 17p13.3, 45.1% in 17p, 45.1% in 11p, 41.9% in 5q, 41.9% in 16q24, 29.0% in 4q, 25.8% in 10q in advanced HCC (four of well differentiated, 18 of moderately differentiated and nine of poorly differentiated carcinoma). In contrast, LOH was observed on 4q, 5q, 16q and 17p in 33% (1/3) of the small HCC (two of well differentiated and one of moderately differentiated carcinoma).The mutation of the p53 genes and polymorphism of the RB gene were present in 25.8% (8/31) and 12.9% (4/31) of the advanced tumours, respectively, but the mutation was not found in small HCC.LOH on every chromosome and the p53 mutation were observed more frequently in more advanced tumours, and the genetic changes accumulated with the increase of the histopathological grade. These findings suggest that the accumulation of genetic changes in multiple tumour suppressor genes is involved in the progression of HCC.
National survey of alcoholic liver disease in Japan (1968–91)
Authors: TAKADA AKIRA , TSUTSUMI MIKIHIRO ,   THE JAPANESE STUDY GROUP FOR ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE
Published: March 2008

AbstractNational surveys of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in Japan were performed in 1978 and 1985 by a previous Japanese study group for ALD (the Takeuchi group). In the present study, a subsequent nationwide survey of ALD in Japan was conducted from 1986 to 1991 and the results compared with the previous studies. In order to clarify the aetiological relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and ALD, results were also analysed according to new diagnostic criteria for ALD proposed by the current ALD study group (the Takada group).According to the diagnostic criteria of the Takeuchi group, the incidence of ALD did not differ significantly from 1986 to 1991. However, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in alcoholic cirrhosis (AL‐LC) clearly increased during this period. The analysis, which included analysis of results from the previous studies, indicated that the incidence of ALD reached a plateau in 1980 and then stablized. However, HCC in AL‐LC continued to show a linear increase from 1976 to 1991.The new diagnostic criteria of the Takada group were used to analyse cases from 1990 and 1991. Approximately two out of every three cases of ALD were caused by alcohol alone, and the remainder were caused by a combination of alcohol and HCV. Cases caused only by HCV were very rare. The main aetiology in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and fibrosis was alcohol alone, and in the case of chronic hepatitis, in heavy drinkers, it was a combination of alcohol and HCV. In half the patients with AL‐LC the aetiology was alcohol alone, and in the other half it was a combination of both alcohol and HCV. In the majority of patients with HCC, the aetiology was a combination of alcohol and HCV, indicating that HCV infection may be important in the development of HCC in alcoholics.