bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peginterferon α‐2a (40 KD) plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Japanese patients
Authors: Kuboki Makoto , Iino Shiro , Okuno Tadao , Omata Masao , Kiyosawa Kendo , Kumada Hiromitsu , Hayashi Norio , Sakai Takahiro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  The efficacy and safety of peginterferon alpha‐2a (40 KD) (peg‐IFNα‐2a) plus ribavirin has not been reported for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate this combination in treatment‐naïve patients and in non‐responders or relapsers to interferon monotherapy.Methods:  Overall, 201 treatment‐naïve patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype‐1b were randomly assigned to 180 µg peg‐IFNα‐2a once‐weekly plus ribavirin 600–1000 mg/day or peg‐IFNα‐2a plus placebo for 48 weeks. Additionally, peg‐IFNα‐2a plus ribavirin was administered for 48 weeks to 100 non‐responders or relapsers (85% genotype‐1) to previous interferon monotherapy.Results:  A sustained virological response (SVR) was attained among significantly more treatment‐naïve patients receiving combination therapy than monotherapy (61% vs 26%, P < 0.001). For patients with high baseline HCV RNA, the SVR rate was 59% with peg‐IFNα‐2a plus ribavirin versus 24% with peg‐IFNα‐2a monotherapy. Among non‐responders or relapsers to previous interferon monotherapy, 54% attained an SVR. Adverse events were generally mild, and discontinuations rates due to adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were low.Conclusion:  In Japanese patients, peg‐IFNα‐2a plus ribavirin provided significant improvement in SVR rates compared with peg‐IFNα‐2a alone in treatment‐naïve patients, and was effective as re‐treatment for non‐responders or relapsers to previous treatment with interferon monotherapy.
Up‐regulation of TFF1 (pS2) expression by TNF‐α in gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Koike Takero , Shimada Tadahito , Fujii Yoichiro , Chen Guozhong , Tabei Kyoko , Namatame Takashi , Yamagata Michiko , Tajima Akihiro , Yoneda Masashi , Terano Akira , Hiraishi Hideyuki 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  TFF1 (pS2) is expressed at a high level in gastric epithelial cells and plays an important role in protecting the gastric mucosa. However, the regulatory mechanisms of TFF1 expression are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TNF‐α, a representative proinflammatory cytokine, on TFF1 expression.Methods:  MKN45 and AGS cells, derived from human gastric carcinoma, were used. Endogenous TFF1 mRNA expression was analyzed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. The sequences of the human TFF1 promoter were cloned into the pGL3‐basic vector and reporter gene assays were performed. Nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activity was monitored using a reporter vector that contained multiple copies of NF‐κB responsive element upstream of the luciferase gene. Interaction between NF‐κB and TFF1 cis‐element was examined by electophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).Results:  TNF‐α activated NF‐κB and up‐regulated endogenous TFF1 mRNA expression as well as the transcription of the TFF1 reporter genes in a dose‐dependent manner. IL‐1β, another proinflammatory cytokine, also up‐regulated TFF1 expression. TNF‐α responsive element was mapped between −342 and −147 of the human TFF1 promoter and a putative NF‐κB binding site was identified at −231. When this element was deleted, the reporter genes became almost insensitive to TNF‐α treatment. EMSA showed binding of NF‐κB to this element.Conclusions:  Inflammatory stimuli that activate NF‐κB appear to up‐regulate TFF1 expression in gastric epithelial cells. This mechanism may aid in the protection of the gastric mucosa under inflammatory conditions.
Long pediatric colonoscope versus intermediate length adult colonoscope for colonoscopy
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Zhou An‐Liang , Lin Hwai‐Jeng 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  Controversy exists on how the length and diameter of colonoscopes affect the quality of colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare a long pediatric colonoscope with an intermediate length adult colonoscope with regards to completion rate and cecal intubation time. Whether either scope may be more efficient in any subgroups was also investigated.Methods:  Asymptomatic patients admitted to the physical check‐up department of Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital were included. A single endoscopist performed all of the colonoscopic examinations under sedation. Consecutive patients were randomized to undergo colonoscopy with either intermediate length adult colonoscope (CF‐240I) or long pediatric colonoscope (PCF‐240L). The success rate and time required to reach cecum were compared between the two groups.Results:  Between April 2005 and February 2006, a total of 918 patients were enrolled. Incomplete colonoscopy occurred in 21 (2.3%) cases (14 in the CF‐240I group and seven in the PCF‐240L group, P > 0.1). The overall cecal mean insertion time was 6.00 ± 3.66 min. There was no significant difference between the CF‐240I and PCF 240L groups with regard to the cecal intubation rate (96.9% vs 98.5%, P = 0.18), the need for abdominal pressure (71.7% vs 73.4%, P = 0.55) and change of position (13.5% vs 11.5%, P = 0.37). However, the cecal intubation time was shorter in the CF‐240I group (5.75 ± 3.18 vs 6.26 ± 3.30 min, P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis by sex, age, and body mass index showed comparable outcomes between the two groups except that the cecal intubation times were significantly shorter in the CF‐240I group when only men (4.78 ± 2.57 vs 5.50 ± 2.93 min, P < 0.01) or those younger than 50 years (5.50 ± 2.90 vs 6.25 ± 3.68 min, P = 0.02) were considered.Conclusion:  Cecal intubation time is shorter in patients examined with an intermediate length adult colonoscope, mainly in the subgroups of men and those younger than 50 years of age.
Selective Th2 pattern of cytokine secretion in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infected Crohn's disease
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Turton Jacqueline , Borody Tom , Pang Gerald , Clancy Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) remains unclear. A major controversy has been whether infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) plays a significant role. Current support for a role of MAP is largely based on epidemiological data. The aim of this study was to determine whether MAP detection in gut biopsies is associated with a different cytokine secretion profile as observed in whole blood culture.Methods:  A whole blood culture system was employed to measure cytokine secretion, using an ELISA assay, in subjects with CD (n = 46), ulcerative colitis (n = 30), irritable bowel syndrome (n = 22) and normal controls (n = 18). MAP status was defined by nested PCR using an IS900 sequence unique to MAP.Results:  Significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐4 (P < 0.05) and IL‐2 (P < 0.05) were found in MAP+ CD compared to MAP– CD. This was selective, as MAP+ subjects in both normal and disease controls had similar levels of IL‐4 and IL‐2 to those with no detectable MAP. IL‐4 secretion was correlated with IL‐2 production in blood cultures in CD (P < 0.01), consistent with a skewed Th2 immune response.Conclusions:  This data set provides the first evidence of altered T cell function linked to MAP infection in CD, and provides a link between detection of MAP and disease. The pattern of cytokine shift in CD is consistent with the concept that the increasing incidence of CD is in part related to the hygiene theory.
Primary urinary tract infection in infants: Prophylaxis for uncomplicated pyelonephritis
Authors: WAN KONG‐SANG , LIU CHIH‐KUANG , CHEN LI‐HUI 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of unexplained fever in infants with a reported prevalence range of 5–11%. The clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed, and diagnosis and treatment for 95 infants with primary UTI were evaluated in this study.Methods:  All patients underwent renal ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrogram and 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan during hospitalization before treatment, with treatment consisting of 2‐ or 4‐week appropriated antibiotic therapy for the patients associated upper UTI, followed by a second DMSA scan 6 months after therapy.Results:  In the present study the main symptom of UTI in infants was fever. High white blood cell count was not necessarily present, and urinalysis was also an imperfect diagnostic tool for discriminating UTI. In addition, colony count from urine culture and kidney ultrasonography was not efficacious in terms of predicting the occurrence of pyelonephritis. Intravenous antibiotic for 1 week followed by 3 weeks of the same oral antibiotic provided good prophylaxis for uncomplicated pyelonephritis.Conclusion:  Four weeks of antibiotic treatment resulted in good recovery from pyelonephritis in the present sample of infant primary UTI cases. voiding cystourethrogram, DMSA and ultrasonography scanning should be performed in primary infant UTI.
Molecular genetic study of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and rescue of mutant vasopressin V2 receptor by chemical chaperones
Authors: CHEONG HAE IL , CHO HEE YEON , PARK HYE WON , HA IL SOO , CHOI YONG 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare disease caused by mutations in the arginine vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2) gene, which encodes vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R). More than a half of reported mutations in AVPR2 are missense mutations, and a large number of missense mutant receptors fail to fold properly and therefore are not routed to the cell surface.Methods:  We analysed the AVPR2 gene in 14 unrelated patients with X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and found 13 different mutations including eight missense point mutations. The cellular expression patterns of three missense mutant (A98P, L274P and R113W) and wild‐type V2R were determined in transfected COS‐7 cells.Results:  In contrast to wild‐type V2R, the cell‐surface expressions of mutant receptors were totally (A98P and L274P) or partially (R113W) absent. Instead, they were retained intracellularly. However, treatment of cells with two chemical chaperones (100 mmol/L trimethylamine oxide or 2% dimethyl sulfoxide) or incubation at 26°C restored the cell‐surface expressions of mutant receptors.Conclusion:  These data show that some chemical chaperones correct the mistrafficking of misfolded A98P, L274P and R113W V2R. Thus, we believe that a therapeutic strategy based on chemical chaperones in patients with these mutations is worth trying.
Effect of antihypertensive agents on plasma adiponectin levels in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: YILMAZ MAHMUT I , SONMEZ ALPER , CAGLAR KAYSER , CELIK TURGAY , YENICESU MÜJDAT , EYILETEN TAYFUN , ACIKEL CENGIZHAN , OGUZ YUSUF , YAVUZ IZZET , VURAL ABDULGAFFAR 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  Plasma adiponectin levels are well associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between hypertension and plasma adiponectin levels is not clear. Also, there is not enough data about the effects of different antihypertensive regimens on plasma adiponectin levels.Methods:  Ninety‐six hypertensive patients (48 male, 48 female) who fulfil the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome were enrolled. Patients were treated for 3 months with metoprolol (n = 18, 100 mg/day), amlodipine (n = 20, 10 mg/day), doxazosin (n = 18, 4 mg/day), ramipril (n = 20, 5 mg/day) and valsartan (n = 20, 80 mg/day). Blood biochemistry and plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured both before and after the study. Insulin resistance was measured by homeostasis assessment index (HOMA).Results:  Plasma adiponectin levels were correlated with the total cholesterol (r = −0.244, P = 0.017), triglyceride (r = −0.306, P = 0.002), high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (r = 0.286, P = 0.005), body mass index (r = −374, P < 0.001), systolic (r = −502, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (r = −235, P = 0.021). The independent predictors of plasma adiponectin levels were HOMA (β = −0.199, P = 0.02), body mass index (β = −0.313, P < 0.001) and sytolic blood pressures (β = −0.483, P < 0.001). Ramipril and valsartan increased the plasma adiponectin levels significantly higher than the other regimens (P < 0.05 for both) while metoprolol did not make a significant effect.Conclusion:  According to the results, plasma adiponectin levels are associated with the arterial blood pressures, body fat content and the lipid parameters in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome. The effects of antihypertensive drugs on plasma adiponectin levels are parallel to their effects on blood pressures and insulin sensitivities. The different effects of several regimens on plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivities may account for the diversity of the cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension.
Effect of pravastatin on markers of endothelial activation in dialysis patients
Authors: JEFFS LISA S , SKILTON FRANCES , NITSCHKE JODIE , BANNISTER KYM M , FAULL RANDALL J 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  The aim of this pilot study was to test the effect of pravastatin on serum levels of high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP), IL‐6 and the soluble adhesion molecules sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1 and sE‐selectin in chronic dialysis patients.Methods:  At the commencement of the study, serum levels of lipids, liver function tests and endothelial markers (CRP, IL‐6, sICAM‐1, sVCAM‐1, sE‐selectin) were measured. Patients then commenced 1 month of 10 mg of pravastatin per day, and if tolerated, then 4 months of 40 mg of pravastatin per day. Serum levels of lipids, liver function tests and endothelial markers were repeated after the total of 5 months of pravastatin therapy.Results:  Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled, and 25 (male/female 17/8; 21 haemodialysis, 4 peritoneal dialysis) patients completed the study. Pravastatin therapy significantly improved the patients' lipid profiles, but had no significant effect on the levels of CRP, IL‐6, sICAM‐1, sVCAM‐1, or sE‐selectin.Conclusion:  Short‐term (5 months) treatment with pravastatin in patients receiving chronic dialysis improved their lipid profile, but had no significant effect on surrogate markers of endothelial activation.
Study of the oral microbial flora in patients with renal disease
Authors: TAKEUCHI YOHEI , ISHIKAWA HIROYUKI , INADA MINORU , SHINOZUKA OSAMU , UMEDA MAKOTO , YAMAZAKI TSUNEYOSHI 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  The aim of this study is to bacteriologically investigate the oral environment in patients with renal disease and thereby reveal their influence on both caries and periodontal diseases.Methods:  The authors compared oral microbial flora between patients with renal disease (non‐haemodialysis: n = 40, haemodialysis: n = 41) and healthy people (n = 62), and also between haemodialysis patients and non‐haemodialysis patients in the disease group. Cariogenic bacteria were identified according to Dentocult System, whereas periodontal bacteria were identified using the polymerase chain reaction method.Results:  When comparing between patients with renal disease and healthy people, the detected number of cariogenic bacteria and the detection rates of the periodontal bacteria in the patients with renal disease were significantly higher than in healthy people (P < 0.05). When comparing the patients on haemodialysis with those not receiving it, no significant differences in the detected number of cariogenic bacteria were observed. However, the detection rates of periodontal bacteria were lower in patients on haemodialysis (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The findings suggest that patients with renal disease tend to have a high risk of dental caries and periodontal disease than the control.
Chlamydia pneumoniae and age‐related macular degeneration: a role in pathogenesis or merely a chance association?
Authors: Guymer Robyn , Robman Luba 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe role of inflammation in the aetiology of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) has become very topical as the discovery that genetic variation in complement pathway genes influences the risk of developing AMD. Complement factor H gene, an inhibitor of the alternative complement activation pathway along with other complement pathway genes factor F (BF) and C2 show significant contribution to the risk of AMD. The alternative complement pathway is activated by a trigger, which is often microbial in nature. One current model of AMD aetiology implicates aberrant regulation of the alternative pathway of complement, in combination with some unknown infectious agents. Chlamydia pneumoniae could be one such potential trigger of the alternative complement pathway and several investigations have linked C. pneumoniae to AMD. However, there are only a few studies to date and numbers in most studies are small. Also there are many difficulties in verifying laboratory techniques for the detection of C. pneumoniae chronic infection. As such we need to be cautious not to over interpret the current results. However, the findings certainly give impetus for further work on C. pneumoniae and AMD. This paper provides an overview of work in this area.
Acute corneal hydrops with perforation after LASIK‐associated keratectasia
Authors: Chen Ching‐Long , Tai Ming‐Cheng , Chen Jiann‐Torng , Chen Chiao‐Hong , Chang Cheng‐Jong , Lu Da‐Wen 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHerein a case of acute corneal hydrops with perforation in keratectasia 9 years after bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis is presented. A 27‐year‐old man presented with right eye sudden loss of vision. Right eye best‐corrected visual acuity was counting fingers. Left eye best‐corrected visual acuity was 6/9. Right eye slit‐lamp examination revealed diffuse corneal oedema with central epithelial cystic change. The interface between the flap and residual stroma was open and filled with fluid. This separation extended nearly to the flap margin. Shallow anterior chamber and aqueous leakage were noted the following day. An emergency penetrating keratoplasty was performed to the right eye. Histopathology of corneal button revealed reactive keratocytes with irregular, wrinkled collagen formation over ablated stroma. Marked stromal oedema was observed. Twelve months after corneal transplantation, vision improved to 6/6 with correction in the right eye.
Reversible anterior segment ischaemia after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Rose Loreto , Zamir Ehud 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCarotid artery disease has long been implicated in ocular ischaemic syndrome. The classical changes of ocular ischaemic syndrome have not been described to resolve with carotid endarterectomy. Herein, a case of documented carotid artery disease presenting with anterior segment ischaemia and retinal artery emboli is described. Prompt carotid endarterectomy resulted in resolution of most of the anterior segment ischaemic signs within a few days.
In vivo confocal microscopy findings in a patient with posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy
Authors: Erdem Uzeyir , Muftuoglu Orkun , Hurmeric Volkan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA 21‐year‐old man, with bilateral posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy, was studied by biomicroscopy, corneal topography and in vivo confocal microscopy. The best‐corrected visual acuity was 6/21 in the right eye and 6/6.9 in the left eye. Biomicroscopy revealed bilateral, asymmetric, sheet‐like opacification at the deep posterior stromal layer. The corneal topography displayed asymmetric against‐the‐rule astigmatism in the right eye and prominent steepening at the inferior paracentral cornea in both eyes. In vivo confocal microscopy of the corneas demonstrated microfolds and hyper‐reflective layer at the posterior stroma just adjacent to the endothelial layer. The epithelium, Bowman’s membrane, anterior stroma and the endothelial layer were normal. In vivo confocal microscopy is useful in evaluating the corneal dystrophies.
Ciprofloxacin‐induced toxic optic neuropathy
Authors: Samarakoon Nadeeka , Harrisberg Brian , Ell Jonathan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA case of bilateral toxic optic neuropathy that developed in the setting of prolonged oral ciprofloxacin use for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is described. The patient experienced progressive, bilateral and symmetrical visual loss, central scotomas and loss of colour vision over a 2‐month period. The visual symptoms improved immediately upon cessation of ciprofloxacin with a gradual and near complete recovery over several years.
Leadership, Individual Differences, and Work‐related Attitudes: A Cross‐Culture Investigation
Authors: Walumbwa Fred O. , Lawler John J. , Avolio Bruce J. 
Published: February 2007

This study builds on previous exploratory research (Walumbwa & Lawler, 2003) that examined allocentrism as a moderator of transformational leadership—work‐related attitudes and behaviors. Based on survey data collected from 825 employees from China (n= 213), India (n= 210), Kenya (n= 159), and the US (n= 243), we found that individual differences moderated the relationships between leadership and followers’ work‐related attitudes. Specifically, allocentrics reacted more positively when they viewed their managers as being more transformational. Idiocentrics reacted more positively when they rated their managers as displaying more transactional contingent reward leadership. The pattern of results was stronger for transformational leadership in more collectivistic cultures among allocentrics and stronger among idiocentrics in individualistic cultures for transactional contingent reward leadership. Implications of these findings for practice and research are discussed.Cette recherche se situe dans le prolongement de travaux exploratoires antérieurs (Walumbwa & Lawler, 2003) qui ont étudié l’allocentrisme comme régulateur de la relation entre le leadership transformationnel et les conduites et attitudes relevant du travail. Nous avons constaté, à partir de données d’enquête recueillies auprès de 825 salariés chinois (n= 213), indiens (n= 210) kényens (n= 159) et américains (n= 243), que les différences individuelles régulaient les relations entre le leader et les attitudes des suiveurs liées au travail. Plus particulièrement, les allocentriques réagissaient plus positivement quand ils percevaient leurs managers comme étant plutôt transformationnel. Les égocentriques réagissaient plus positivement quand ils trouvaient que leurs managers présentaient plutôt un leadership transactionnel offrant des récompenses appropriées. La configuration des résultats parle en faveur du leadership transformationnel pour les allocentriques dans les cultures à tendance communautaire et en faveur du leadership transactionnel pour les égocentriques dans les cultures individualistes. On réfléchit aux implications de ces résultats pour la recherche et la pratique.