bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide‐modified proteins in Helicobacter pylori‐associated atrophic gastric mucosa
Authors: Naito Yuji , Takagi Tomohisa , Okada Hitomi , Nukigi Yayoi , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Kuroda Masaaki , Handa Osamu , Kokura Satoshi , Yagi Nobuaki , Kato Yoji , Osawa Toshihiko , Yoshikawa Toshikazu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may be involved in carcinogenesis of the stomach, because nitric oxide (NO) derived from iNOS can exert DNA damage and post‐transcriptional modification of target proteins. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between endoscopic findings and iNOS mRNA expression/NO‐modified proteins in the gastric mucosa.Methods:  Fifty patients were prospectively selected from subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal chromoendoscopy screening for abdominal complaints. The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) status of patients was determined by anti‐H. pylori IgG antibody levels. We classified the mucosal area of the fundus as F0, fine small granules; F1, edematous large granules without a sulcus between granules; F2, reduced‐size granules with a sulcus between granules; and F3, irregular‐sized granules with extended sulcus between granules. Gastritis was graded using the visual analog scale of the Updated Sydney System. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐8 and iNOS mRNA was assayed in gastric biopsy specimens by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. NO‐modified proteins were analyzed by Western blotting using novel monoclonal antibodies against nitrotyrosine.Results:  A total of 91.7% (11/12) of the F0 group was H. pylori‐negative, whereas 94.7% (36/38) of the F1‐3 groups was H. pylori‐positive. Spearman's analysis showed good correlation between the endoscopic grading and the score of chronic inflammation (r = 0.764) and glandular atrophy (r = 0.751). The expression of IL‐8 mRNA was significantly increased in F1, F2, and F3 cases compared with the F0 group, with no significant differences among them. iNOS mRNA was significantly increased in the F3 group compared with the other groups, with increased nitration of tyrosine residues of proteins.Conclusion:  The proposed classification by chromoendoscopy is useful for screening patients for atrophic and iNOS‐expressing gastric mucosa with NO‐modified proteins in H. pylori‐associated atrophic gastric mucosa.
The influence of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori on gastric ghrelin, appetite, and body mass index in patients with peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Jang Eun Jeong , Park Sang Woon , Park Ju Sang , Park Sang Jong , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Paik So Ya , Sin Mi Kyung , Lee Eon Sook , Oh Sang Woo , Park Cheol Young , Baik Hyun Wook 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been known to influence the gastric leptin and ghrelin secretion, for which the exact pathogenic role has not been documented yet. This study was designed to investigate the influence of H. pylori eradication on plasma or gastric levels of ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and resultant levels of appetite in patients with peptic ulcer disease.Methods:  Twenty‐two patients with H. pylori‐associated active duodenal or gastric ulcer were treated with 7 weeks of antisecretory medication followed with 7 days of eradication regimen. The plasma and tissue ghrelin levels, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) mRNA, BMI, and appetite scale were checked before and after treatment. An additional endoscopic examination was conducted in 10 patients taking both ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication.Results:  Gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was significantly increased after either ulcer healing or H. pylori eradication, whereas gastric TNF‐α mRNA expression was decreased after ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication. In parallel with these changes, the visual analog scales for hunger and prospective food consumption were significantly increased after ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication. An increase in BMI was not statistically related to ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication therapy. In the subgroup analysis of 10 patients performed with additional endoscopic examination, ulcer treatment was associated with increased plasma ghrelin level and tissue ghrelin expression irrelevant to H. pylori eradication.Conclusion:  Restored tissue levels of ghrelin and improved status of appetite was achieved with gastric ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication.
What is the clinical significance of stromal angiogenesis in Barrett's esophagus?
Authors: Moriyama Nobuyuki , Amano Yuji , Mishima Yuko , Okita Koichi , Takahashi Yoshiko , Yuki Takafumi , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Enriched blood vessels occur in the stroma of Barrett's esophagus and are related to the ease of tumor invasion in the early stage of the cancer. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is closely related with angiogenesis through expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. The aim of the present study was to determine the predictors for angiogenesis in Barrett's esophagus and evaluate their clinical significance.Methods:  Between December 2003 and May 2004, 209 patients with endoscopically and histologically proven Barrett's esophagus were enrolled. Before endoscopic examination, all participants answered structured questionnaires for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and drug usage. HIF‐1α and COX‐2 protein expressions, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis were investigated immunohistochemically in biopsy samples taken from the esophagus of each patient. The degree of angiogenesis was determined by CD34 immunostaining analysis. Predictors for angiogenesis were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:  Sixty (28.7%) of the 209 enrolled patients with Barrett's esophagus had a high CD34 score. Factors proven as positive predictors for a high CD34 score were presence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, reflux esophagitis, COX‐2 protein expression, and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index. Administration of proton‐pump inhibitors and HIF‐1α protein expression were not predictors.Conclusions:  Reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were positive predictors for enriched angiogenesis in the stromal portion of Barrett's esophagus, which has malignant potential because the epithelial cells express COX‐2 and have accelerated cellular proliferation.
Decreased levels of adiponectin in obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux evaluated by videoesophagography: Possible relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Iwasaki Eisuke , Suzuki Hidekazu , Sugino Yoshinori , Iida Tsutomu , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kangawa Kenji , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Body mass index (BMI) and obesity are reportedly associated with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of metabolic disorders including obesity on the levels of functional gastroesophageal reflux by videoesophagography.Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with GERD‐associated symptoms were examined by videoesophagography. On their initial visit, all patients completed the Japanese version of the Carlsson‐Dent self‐administered questionnaire (QUEST). The findings of videoesophagography were evaluated by the X‐ray severity scores for gastroesophageal reflux (XRSS), which were defined for the total diagnosis of functional gastroesophageal reflux. Correlation between XRSS scores and physical or metabolic markers was evaluated.Results:  The mean XRSS in the QUEST‐positive group (4.7 ± 0.6) was significantly higher than that in the QUEST‐negative group (3.3 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). XRSS correlated positively with BMI (P < 0.05) and waist circumference (P < 0.05), but negatively with high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (P < 0.05), serum adiponectin (P < 0.05) and active ghrelin (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, serum adiponectin level, BMI and triglyceride independently affected the XRSS.Conclusion:  Videoesophagography is a useful diagnostic modality for the evaluation of patients with GERD symptoms. Functional gastroesophageal reflux is seen in obese patients, especially with decreased levels of adiponectin.
Increased pentosidine, an advanced glycation end‐product, in urine and tissue reflects disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Kato Shingo , Itoh Kazuro , Ochiai Mitsuko , Iwai Atsuhiro , Park Yeongji , Hata Satoshi , Takeuchi Kyoko , Ito Masataka , Imaki Junko , Miura Soichiro , Yakabi Koji , Kobayashi Makio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Under inflammatory conditions with strong oxidative stresses, advanced glycation end‐products (AGE), carbonyl compounds, are produced. The concentration of pentosidine, an AGE, reportedly correlates with complications of diabetes mellitus and worsening of rheumatoid arthritis, but its role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is unclear.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against pentosidine, and 8‐OH‐2‐deoxyguanosine. The urinary concentration of pentosidine was also quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.Results:  Pentosidine expression was up‐regulated in the inflamed tissue of IBD. The expression of both pentosidine and 8‐OH‐2‐deoxyguanosine was similar and increased in the inflamed epithelium and infiltrating cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes). The urinary concentration of pentosidine in active ulcerative colitis was significantly greater than that in inactive ulcerative colitis (0.12 ± 0.15 vs 0.021 ± 0.011 µg/mg of Cr, P < 0.05), and was greater in active Crohn's disease than in inactive Crohn's disease (0.071 ± 0.086 vs 0.039 ± 0.023 µg/mg of Cr).Conclusions:  The urinary pentosidine level correlated with the activity of ulcerative colitis and may be a marker for disease activity in ulcerative colitis.
Gene expression profiling in Helicobacter‐induced MALT lymphoma with reference to antigen drive and protective immunization
Authors: O'Rourke Jani L 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe have previously shown that long‐term infection of BALB/c mice with gastric Helicobacter species results in the development of histopathological lesions that resemble those seen in patients diagnosed with gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. This paper describes analysis of this disease at the molecular level through the use of microarray technology and immunohistochemical staining. We were able to monitor the genetic changes in the gastric mucosa characterized by distinct transcriptional signatures and correlate these with histological changes as the infection progressed from a chronic inflammatory infiltrate through to MALT lymphoma. This model system also enabled us to further dissect the role of antigen presentation and prophylactic immunization in the disease process. Antimicrobial therapy to eradicate the antigen correlated with significant reduction in pathology and major changes in the gene expression profile. Subsequent reintroduction of the antigen resulted in rapid tumor development which correlated with an increase in aggressively proliferating cells and changes in the cellular composition of the tumor. The response in vaccinated animals showed that the protected animals exhibited a strikingly different transcriptional profile compared to those of non‐protected or control mice, indicating that the vaccination targeted the appropriate site leaving a long‐lasting signature. The genes which were most significantly up‐regulated included a number of adipocyte‐specific factors, such as fat‐cell specific cytokines and adipocyte surface markers. This study allowed for us to highlight the significance of antigen presentation in this disease and to hypothesis mechanisms associated with protective immunity.
Subclassification of superficial cardia cancer in relation to the endoscopic esophagogastric junction
Authors: Jin Longxue , Yoshida Masashi , Kitagawa Yuko , Saikawa Yoshiro , Takeuchi Hiroya , Wada Norihito , Kumai Koichiro , Kubota Tetsuro , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia has been reported to be increasing, but the endoscopic characteristics of the mucosal background of the tumor remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the location of the adenocarcinoma according to the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and mucosal characteristics.Methods:  Patients with superficial adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia diagnosed pathologically were enrolled and divided into the above‐EGJ group and the below‐EGJ group according to tumor location. The EGJ was judged as the lower end of the esophageal longitudinal vessels. We retrospectively reviewed endoscopic findings with respect to the classification of reflux esophagitis, hiatus hernia, valvular appearance of the cardia and the pattern of atrophic gastritis.Results:  The incidence of reflux esophagitis in the above‐EGJ group and below‐EGJ group was 75.0% and 30.0%, respectively. The severity of hiatus hernia and the valvular appearance of the cardia of patients in the above‐EGJ group were worse than in the patients in the below‐EGJ group. The pattern of atrophic gastritis in the patients in the above‐EGJ group was the closed type, whereas patients in the below‐EGJ group had the open type.Conclusion:  There were significant differences between cancers above or below the EGJ, so classification of adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia according to location is recommended.
Is it possible to predict the procedural time of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer?
Authors: Goto Osamu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kodashima Shinya , Ono Satoshi , Omata Masao 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been expected to be a possible curative treatment, especially for node‐negative early gastric cancer (EGC). We investigated the influential factors on the procedural time of gastric ESD with a Flex knife for the estimation.Methods:  In 222 intestinal‐type EGC resected by ESD experts with established techniques, age, sex, location, circumference, gross type, tumor size, tumor depth, ulcerative findings, the period of ESD, the operator, and the experience of the operator were retrospectively analyzed. Predictors with a significant difference, as determined by multivariate analysis, were used to compose a predictive formula of procedural time.Results:  Location, gross type, tumor depth, ulcerative findings, and tumor size were considered influential factors on the procedural time by univariate analysis. Location in the upper‐third of the stomach, presence of ulcerative findings, and > 20 mm in size were independent factors, as determined by multivariate analysis. Procedural time (min) was nearly equal to the maximal tumor size (mm) multiplied by 2.5, and an additional 40 min was required if the tumor was located in the upper‐third of the stomach or had ulcerative findings (in both situations, an additional 80 min was needed).Conclusion:  The procedural time of ESD with a Flex knife for EGC can be predicted by tumor size, location, and existence of ulcerative findings. The estimation of procedural time may be very useful to determine the operation schedule.
A Recent Perspective on Alcohol, Immunity, and Host Defense
Authors: Szabo Gyongyi , Mandrekar Pranoti 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Multiple line of clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that both acute, moderate, and chronic, excessive alcohol use result in various abnormalities in the functions of the immune system.Methods:  Medline and Pubmed databases were used to identify published reports with particular interest in the period of 2000–2008 in the subject of alcohol use, infection, inflammation, innate, and adaptive immunity.Results:  This review article summarizes recent findings relevant to acute or chronic alcohol use‐induced immunomodulation and its consequences on host defense against microbial pathogens and tissue injury. Studies with in vivo and in vitro alcohol administration are both discussed. The effects of alcohol on lung infections, trauma and burn injury, liver, pancreas, and cardiovascular diseases are evaluated with respect to the role of immune cells. Specific changes in innate immune response and abnormalities in adaptive immunity caused by alcohol intake are detailed.Conclusion:  Altered inflammatory cell and adaptive immune responses after alcohol consumption result in increased incidence and poor outcome of infections and other organ‐specific immune‐mediated effects.
Role of Potassium Channel GeneKcnj10in Ethanol Preference in C57bl/6J and DBA/2J Mice
Authors: Zou Shicong B. , Weng Julia , Symons Melissa N. , Singh Shiva M. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Inwardly‐rectifying potassium channel protein Kir4.1 is encoded byKcnj10which maps to a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1 for the voluntary alcohol consumption phenotype in mice.Kcnj10brain expression differences have been established between ethanol‐preferring C57Bl/6J and ethanol‐avoiding BALB/cJ mice, but its differential expression in other tissues and strains have largely been overlooked. A nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism exists between C57Bl/6J and ethanol‐avoiding DBA/2J mice which changes amino acid 262 from threonine (C57Bl/6J) to serine (DBA/2J). ThisKcnj10SNP and its expression may serve as valuable markers in predicting the ethanol preference phenotype in mice.Methods: The evolutionary divergence of the Kir gene family was characterized using phylogenetic analysis involving the 16 mouse Kir channels.Kcnj10expression differences in the brain, liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney, testes, and muscle of male C57Bl/6J and DBA/2J mice at different developmental stages were examined using semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis. A SNP analysis was conducted to assess the association ofKcnj10Thr262Ser SNP and the ethanol preference phenotype in F2 mice derived from the reciprocal crosses of the C57Bl/6J and DBA/2J strains.Results: Evolutionary analysis supports gene duplication and genetic recombination as likely sources of diversity within the Kir gene family. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis revealed significantly higherKcnj10expression in the brain, spleen, and kidney of both strains when compared to other tissues from the same strain. There were no significant differences in tissue‐specific mRNA levels between strains except in the testes. Genotype distributions of theKcnj10Thr262Ser SNP were different between low‐ and high‐drinkers. A significant difference in the average ethanol preference level of each genotype was also observed.Conclusion: Our results suggest a role forKcnj10in ethanol preference determination in mice. However, further experiments are needed to establish if this association is due to the nonsynonymous SNP or other additional factors associated withKcnj10.
Survival in Elderly Persons with Down Syndrome
Authors: Coppus Antonia M. W. , Evenhuis Heleen M. , Verberne Gert‐Jan , Visser Frank E. , Oostra Ben A. , Eikelenboom Piet , Van Gool Willem A. , Janssens A. Cecile J. W. , Van Duijn Cornelia M. 
Published: December 2008

The longer life expectancy now experienced by persons with Down syndrome (DS) makes it necessary to know the factors influencing survival in older persons with this syndrome. In a prospective longitudinal cohort study of dementia and mortality, 506 persons with DS aged 45 and older were followed for a mean of 4.5 years (range 0.0–7.6 years). Cognitive and social functioning were tested at baseline and annual follow‐up. The diagnosis of dementia was determined according to a standardized protocol. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used for survival analysis.Relative preservation of cognitive and functional ability is associated with better survival in this study population. Clinically, the most important disorders in persons with DS that are related to mortality are dementia, mobility restrictions, visual impairment, and epilepsy but not cardiovascular diseases. Also, level of intellectual disability and institutionalization are associated with mortality.
Contact sensitization to metals in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Teh‐Yang , Tseng Yu‐Hsian , Sun Chee‐Ching , Chu Chia‐Yu 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Correlation of several patient factors with contact sensitization to nickel, cobalt, chromate, and other metal allergens has not been reviewed in the Taiwanese population.Objectives:  A retrospective analysis was performed to define the characteristics of patients with positive patch tests to metals in a tertiary referral medical centre between 1978 and 2003.Patients and Methods:  Patch test data of 3559 patients at a medical centre in Taiwan from 1978 to 2003 were retrospectively analysed. Contact sensitization to metals was defined as a positive reaction to at least one of the metal substances in the patch test series. Chi‐squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results:  Female patients were more likely to have contact sensitization to metal allergens except chromate or mercurochrome. Patients who reacted to chromate were more likely to be male, with an occupational correlation, older age, and a site of predilection towards the extremities. Within the first and sixth decades of age, thimerosal and chromate were the leading causes of metal contact sensitization, respectively. Nickel was the major metal sensitizer among the other age groups.Conclusions:  Several patient factors were characterized related to metal sensitization in the Taiwanese population. The sources of exposure were further discussed.
Low‐cobalt diet for dyshidrotic eczema patients
Authors: Stuckert Joseph , Nedorost Susan 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of chronic intermittent dermatitis characterized by vesicles, dystrophic fingernail changes, and rarely bullae that affects the hands and feet. Many exogenous factors may trigger a flare including dermatophyte infections, contact irritants, and metal hypersensitivity. Although metal hypersensitivity does not play a role in all cases of dyshidrotic eczema, high oral ingestion of nickel and/or cobalt should be considered, regardless of patch test results.Objective:  We updated and simplified existing published guidelines for low‐cobalt diets. A recent review of the literature showed that dietary cobalt restriction, a safe yet burdensome treatment option for dyshidrosis, is referenced to dated sources.Methods:  We have analysed current data for the cobalt content in common food items.Conclusion:  We propose a revised, point‐based diet that will eliminate much of the dietary cobalt (and nickel) and reduce dyshidrotic eczema flares.