bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevation of serum and ascites cancer antigen 125 levels in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: XIAO WEN‐BIN , LIU YU‐LAN 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 elevation has been reported in patients with liver disease, but it is poorly characterized. The present study aimed to evaluate the range of serum and ascitic CA 125 levels in patients with liver cirrhosis and to explore possible factors associated with CA 125 elevation.Methods:  A total of 70 patients were studied. Group I consisted of 30 patients with liver cirrhosis with or without ascites. Group II consisted of 30 patients with digestive malignant tumors with or without ascites. Group III consisted of 10 patients with benign ascites. The CA 125 levels were measured in the serum of all patients and also simultaneously in the ascitic fluid of 15 patients.Results:  Serum CA125 levels in 80% of (24/30) patients from group I were elevated, particularly in those with ascites, irrespective of the etiology of cirrhosis. Serum CA 125 levels were correlated with Child–Pugh scores (r = 0.38), but not significantly (P = 0.06). All patients from group II with ascites and from group III had elevated serum CA 125 levels, but there was no difference in the serum CA 125 levels between patients with ascites from group I (275 ± 175 U/mL), group II (368 ± 190 U/mL) or group III (396 ± 287 U/mL), nor was there a significant difference in ascitic CA 125 levels (P > 0.05). The levels of serum CA 125 (198 ± 108 U/mL) were lower than, but correlated with that of ascites (460 ± 234 U/mL, r = 0.58, P = 0.026). The elevation of serum CA 125 accompanied by abnormalities of other tumor markers was more common in malignant ascites than in benign ascites (90% compared with 6%, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The elevation of serum CA 125 is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is related to the presence of ascites, and possibly to the insufficiency of liver function, but not the etiology of cirrhosis and ascites. Serum CA 125 probably comes from ascites. It usually predicts benign disease if the elevation of serum or ascites CA 125 is not accompanied by the abnormalities of other tumor markers.
Possible involvement of tetraspanin CO‐029 in hematogenous intrahepatic metastasis of liver cancer cells
Authors: KANETAKA KENGO , SAKAMOTO MICHIIE , YAMAMOTO YOSHIYA , TAKAMURA MASAAKI , KANEMATSU TAKASHI , HIROHASHI SETSUO 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A correlation between overexpression of tetraspanin CO‐029 and the intrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been observed in surgically resected specimens from humans. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in CO‐029 protein modulation of the metastatic phenotype are unknown. In the present study, CO‐029 cDNA was stably transfected into a non‐metastatic human HCC cell line to investigate whether it could directly promote metastasis.Methods:  We constructed a human HCC cell line that stably overexpressed CO‐029 and mock transfectants. Using these transfectants, we examined cell proliferation characteristics in monolayer culture and the ability to adhere to culture plates coated with laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin and collagen type‐I or type‐IV. Orthotopic implantation of these transfectants to SCID mice was also performed.Results:  Several clones of CO‐029 transfectants and mock transfectants were established. The growth rates and adhesive properties to the extracellular matrix did not differ between CO‐029 and mock transfectants. When orthotopically implanted, the size of the primary tumor in the liver did not differ between CO‐029 and the mock transfectants. However, only CO‐029 positive clones developed intrahepatic metastatic lesions.Conclusion:  These results suggest that CO‐029 might be involved in hematogenous intrahepatic metastasis, although the precise cellular mechanisms involved remain unknown.
Rodent nutritional model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: Species, strain and sex difference studies
Authors: KIRSCH RICHARD , CLARKSON VIVIAN , SHEPHARD ENID G , MARAIS DAVID A , JAFFER MOHAMED A , WOODBURNE VIVIENNE E , KIRSCH RALPH E , HALL PAULINE DE LA M 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The methionine choline‐deficient (MCD) diet leads to steatohepatitis in rodents. The aim of the present study was to investigate species, strain and sex differences in this nutritional model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods:  Male and female Wistar, Long–Evans and Sprague–Dawley rats, and C57/BL6 mice (n = 6 per group) were fed a MCD diet for 4 weeks. Control groups received an identical diet supplemented with choline bitartrate (0.2% w/w) and methionine (0.3% w/w). Liver pathology (steatosis and inflammation) and ultrastructure, liver lipid profile (total lipids, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation products), liver : body mass ratios and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were compared between these groups.Results:  The MCD diet‐fed male rats developed greater steatosis (P < 0.001), had higher liver lipid content (P < 0.05) and had higher serum ALT levels (P < 0.005) than did female rats. Wistar rats (both sexes) had higher liver lipid levels (P < 0.05), serum ALT levels (P < 0.05), and liver mass : body mass ratios (P < 0.025) than did Long–Evans and Sprague–Dawley rats. In female groups, Wistar rats showed greater fatty change than did the other two strains (P < 0.05). All rats fed the MCD diet developed hepatic steatosis, but necrosis and inflammation were minor features and fibrosis was absent. Compared with Wistar rats, male C57/BL6 mice showed a marked increase in inflammatory foci (P < 0.001), end products of lipid peroxidation (free thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) (P < 0.005), and mitochondrial injury, while showing less steatosis (P < 0.005), lower hepatic triglyceride levels, (P < 0.005) and lower early lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides; P < 0.005 and P < 0.01, respectively).Conclusions:  The Wistar strain and the male sex are associated with the greatest degree of steatosis in rats subjected to the MCD diet. Of the groups studied, male C57/BL6 mice develop the most inflammation and necrosis, lipid peroxidation, and ultrastructural injury, and best approximate the histological features of NASH.
Development of real‐time detection direct test for hepatitis B virus and comparison with two commercial tests using the WHO international standard
Authors: MUKAIDE MOTOKAZU , TANAKA YASUHITO , KATAYOSE SATOSHI , TANO HIROYUKI , MURATA MITSUHIRO , HIKATA MIKIO , FUJISE KIYOTAKA , SAKUGAWA HIROSHI , SUZUKI KAZUO , ZAUNDERS JOHN , NAGASAWA YOKO , TODA GOTARO , MIZOKAMI MASASHI 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims:  A highly reproducible and sensitive hepatitis B virus real‐time detection direct (HBV RTD‐direct) test using DNA extraction by magnetic beads coated with polyclonal anti‐HBsAg, followed by the real‐time detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, was developed for the detection of HBV DNA.Methods:  The HBV DNA could be extracted from the HBsAg positive viral particles without resulting in viral DNA fragmentation. The HBV RTD‐direct test was validated using a serial dilution panel of the WHO standard HBV DNA 97/746 I.Results:  The test had a dynamic range of 0.7–8.0 log10 international units (IU) per mL and the results were shown to be comparable to those obtained with two commercially available tests: the HBV DNA transcription‐mediated amplification‐hybridization protection assay and the Amplicor HBV Monitor test. In addition, the HBV RTD‐direct test, based on magnetic extraction, successfully eliminated PCR inhibitors in clinical specimens.Conclusion:  We conclude that the HBV RTD‐direct test is an excellent alternative for monitoring patients undergoing antiviral treatment or for screening various clinical specimens.
Helicobacter pylori cagA, iceA and vacA status in Taiwanese patients with peptic ulcer and gastritis
Authors: PERNG CHIN‐LIN , LIN HWAI‐JENG ,   FACG, SUN I‐CHEN , TSENG GUAN‐YING 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Different genotypes of H. pylori are confirmed from diverse geographical areas. Its association with clinical diseases remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) alleles, cytotoxin‐associated gene (cagA) and iceA, in patients with peptic ulcer and gastritis.Methods:  We enrolled patients with peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the antrum and lower body of the stomach. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect the presence or absence of cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA and iceA.Results:  A total of 133 patients (57 gastric ulcer, 52 duodenal ulcer, 24 chronic gastritis) had positive PCR results from biopsy specimens. Concerning genotypes, we found cagA (79% in the antrum, 92% in the body) and iceA1 (73% in the antrum, 82.8% in the body) strains in the majority of patients. The dominant vacA subtype was s1a (74.4% in the antrum, 75% in the body), followed by s1c (51.1% in the antrum, 60.5% in the body). In the middle region, the m2 strain dominated (49.6% in the antrum, 41.4% in the body), followed by m1T (19.5% in the antrum, 9.5% in the body). Mixed infection occurred in 89 patients (67%). There was no statistical difference in genotypes among the three groups.Conclusion:  In Taiwan, H. pylori with positive cagA and iceA1 was found in the majority of cases. H. pylori with vacA s1a strains was the most common vacA subtype, followed by s1c, while s1b was rare. In the middle region, the m2 subtype was predominant followed by m1T. There was no significant association between genotypes and clinical diseases.
Current clinical and pathogenetic understanding of β2‐m amyloidosis in long‐term haemodialysis patients
Authors: GEJYO Fumitake , NARITA Ichiei 
Published: October 2003

SUMMARY:  As the number of patients undergoing long‐term haemodialysis continues to grow, β2‐microglubulin (β2‐m) amyloidosis is emerging as an increasingly common complication. The frequency of β2‐m amyloid‐related osteoarthropathy in haemodialysis patients rises steadily with length of survival. We confirmed that the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome increases with years of dialysis. Up to 50% of patients had developed this complication after 20 years were affected and the percentage was even higher after 25 years.Although retention of β2‐m is a necessary requirement for onset of amyloidosis, it is probably not sufficient. Using an in vitro model of β2‐m‐related amyloid fibril (fAβ2‐m) extension, we demonstrated that various amyloid‐associated molecules, such as apolipoprotein (apo) E and proteoglycans, accelerate β2‐m amyloid fibril formation.General categories of therapeutic approaches for amyloidosis include prevention of onset or progression, symptomatic therapy (conservative treatment, orthopedic procedures, and physiotherapy), and renal transplantation. In association of haemodialysis, β2‐m has been removed by high‐flux membranes or a β2‐m adsorption column. However, proof is lacking that amyloid deposits are decreased by long‐term use of dialysis techniques to eliminate β2‐m. More effective treatment procedures are needed.
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis as a complication of long‐term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in Korea
Authors: LEE Ho Yung , KIM Beom Seok , CHOI Hoon Young , PARK Hyeong Cheon , KANG Shin Wook , CHOI Kyu Hun , HA Sung Kyu , HAN Dae Suk 
Published: October 2003

SUMMARY:  Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare yet serious complication in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Incidence and prevalence of this syndrome have been defined in some large populations and a few single‐centre experiences, but there is no satisfactory estimate of the comparative incidence of dialysis related SEP. The pathogenesis of SEP still remains uncertain, but there could be various causative factors. The diagnosis of SEP remains based on clinical suspicion confirmed with radiologic and/or pathologic findings. The possible variable etiologies and probable distinct pathways leading to this syndrome may make a uniform therapeutic approach unlikely.To determine the prevalence, etiologic factors, clinical features, effect of dialysis duration, and outcome of SEP in Korea, patients undergoing CAPD who developed SEP were retrospectively studied in five University Hospital dialysis centres with large numbers of CAPD patients in Korea. Out of a total 3888 CAPD studied patients between January 1981 to December 2002 in those five medical centres, 31 cases developed SEP with the overall prevalence 0.8%. There were 15 men and 16 women. The mean age of these patients was 44.0 ± 9.8 years old. The mean duration of CAPD before SEP was 70.3 ± 41.9 months (range 9–144 months) and 67.8% of patients (21/31) had been on CAPD more than 4 years. Peritonitis, including one fungal peritonitis, was the main cause of SEP in 25 cases (80.6%). Seventy percent of these cases used β‐blocker and the mean duration of the usage was 61.7 ± 47.6 months. Seven cases were surgically treated and others were treated conservatively with intermittent total parenteral nutrition. The mortality rate was 25.8%.In conclusion, SEP is a serious life threatening complication of CAPD, and most cases had long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD) duration more than 4 years. To reduce the incidence of SEP, careful monitoring may be needed especially in patients with long‐term CAPD and peritonitis.
Association of natural tooth loss with genetic variation at the SRC locus among elderly women in Japan
Authors: Hirano Hirohiko , Ezura Yoichi , Yoshida Hideo , Suzuki Takao , Hosoi Takayuki , Emi Mitsuru 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Tooth loss is a major medical issue for the elderly population because it impairs masticatory function critical for oral intake of essential nutrition. Maintenance of sound natural tooth alignment is important for preserving masticatory potential in elderly individuals. Reduction in the number of natural teeth remaining intact (NTI) varies among individuals; thus, heterogeneity in NTI might reflect genetic variation within the population. One such candidate gene is the v‐src sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (SRC) gene, which plays an essential role in differentiation and maturation of the osteoclast.Methods:  A possible association was investigated between the CA repeat polymorphism at the human SRC gene locus and the NTI in 455 elderly Japanese women. Genotypes were classified into 15 groups according to the number of CA repeats present, from A1 to A15.Results:  The 44 women who possessed an A6 allele (197 bp, containing 23 repeats of CA) had significantly lower NTI than the participants (n = 411) who did not carry that allele (mean ± SD: 3.2 ± 6.25 vs 6.1 ± 8.25; P = 0.027, Mann–Whitney test). Although the tooth loss rate did not correlate with the A6 allele in an 8 year follow‐up study, significant difference of NTI was maintained during that 8 years.Conclusion:  Genetic variation at the SRC gene locus is associated with tooth loss in elderly women, suggesting an existence of determinant genetic variation in this locus. The findings would be beneficial for development of a novel treatment and prevention of the periodontal diseases.
Study of Alzheimer's disease using transgenic mice: The mechanism of formation of brain Aβ amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles
Authors: Harigaya Yasuo 
Published: October 2003

Background:  The purpose of the present paper was to clarify the role of brain amyloid β protein (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with the eventual aim of developing new treatments.Methods:  Three kinds of transgenic mice (Tg) were examined: those overexpressing βAPP695ΔNL (APPsw mice), those expressing the R406W mutant form of human 4‐repeat tau (tauR406W mice), and those with both βAPP695ΔNL and R406W mutant tau (APPsw × tau R406 double Tg).Results:  First, cored plaques, diffuse plaques and amyloid angiopathy were detected in the brains of APPsw mice. Loss of neurons and synapses was seen in the cored plaques, and accumulation of phosphorylated‐tau in dystrophic neurites around the cored plaques. However, Neurofibrillary tangles were not seen. These mice displayed memory impairment and decreased levels of acetylcholine in the cortex and hippocampus. Second, tau R406W mice were produced. These mice developed motor disturbances and memory impairment, accompanied by gliosis and marked tau accumulation in neurons of the frontotemporal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. No Aβ was detected. Third, APPsw × tauR406W double Tg were produced. The pattern of Aβ deposition was similar in these double Tg and the APPsw mice. Gallyas silver‐staining showed greater levels of tauopathy in the hippocampus in these double Tg compared to the tauR406W mice.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that deposition of brain Aβ is the initial event leading to subsequent disease such as accumulation of phosphorylated tau, neuronal loss and memory disturbance, and that the treatment of brain Aβ should be the first priority in finding a cure for AD.
Parathyroid hormone venous sampling prior to reoperation forprimary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Estella E. , Leong M. S. Z. , Bennett I. , Hartley L. , Wetzig N. , Archibald C.A. , Harper J. S. , Cuneo R. C. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  The surgical cure rate for primary hyperparathyroidismis greater than 95%. For those who have recurrent or persistentdisease, preoperative localization improves reoperation successrates. Selective parathyroid venous sampling (SPVS) for intact parathyroidhormone is particularly useful when non‐invasive localization techniquesare negative or inconclusive.Methods:  We present all known cases (n = 13)between 1994 and 2002 who had venous sampling for localization atour institution prior to reoperation for recurrent or persistentprimary hyperparathyroidism. Comparison was made with non‐invasivelocalization procedures. Results of invasive and non‐invasive localizationwere correlated with surgical findings.Results:  Of the nine reoperated cases, eight had positive correlationsbetween SPVS and operative findings and histopathology. SPVS didnot reveal the parathyroid hormone source in one case with negativenon‐invasive localization procedures. Comparisons between SPVS,computerized tomography (CT), and parathyroid scintigraphy (MIBI)as expressed in terms of true positive (TP), false positive (FP)and false negative (FN) were: SPVS − TP88.8%, FP 0%, FN 11.1%; CT − TP22.2%, FP 22.2%, FN 55.5%; and MIBI − TP33.3%, FP 0%, FN 66.6%. At least sevenof the nine operated cases have been cured; another remained normocalcaemic 2 weeksafter subtotal parathyroidectomy.Conclusion:  In our institution SPVS has proven to be a valuabletool in cases with recurrent or persistent primary hyperpara­thyroidismand negative non‐invasive localization procedures.
Noise exposure in the orthopaedic operating theatre: a significant health hazard
Authors: Love Hamish 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Surgeons working in orthopedic operating theatres are exposed to significant noise pollution due to the use of powered instruments. This may carry a risk of noise‐induced hearing loss. The present study was designed to quantify the noise exposure experienced by surgeons and establish whether this breaches occupational health guidelines for workplace noise exposure.Methods:  A sound dosimeter was worn by the operating surgeon during three total hip replacements and two total knee replacements. A timed record of the procedures was kept concurrently. Noise levels experienced during each part of the procedure and total noise exposures were measured. Noise exposures were compared with occupational health guidelines.Results:  Noise exposure in total hip replacement averaged 4.5% (1.52−6.45%) of the allowed daily dose (average duration 77.28 min). Total knee replacement exposure was 5.74% (4.09−7.39%) of allowed daily exposure (average duration: 69.76 min). Maximum sound levels approached but did not exceed recommended limits of 110 dBA (108.3 dBA in total hip replacement and 107.6 dBA in total knee replacement). Transient peak sound levels exceeded maximums of 140 dB on multiple occasions during surgery.Conclusions:  Overall total noise dose during orthopaedic surgery was acceptable but orthopaedic surgeons experience brief periods of noise exposure in excess of legislated guidelines. This constitutes a noise hazard and carries a significant, but unquantified risk for noise‐induced hearing loss.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for recurrent or persistent hyperparathyroidism using carbon track localization
Authors: Kennedy Robert J. , Roberts Anthony P. , Reece G John , Malycha Peter L. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  The present study documents the use of carbon tracking to localize parathyroid adenomas in three patients with persistent or recurrent parathyroid disease.Methods:  Three patients requiring second or third operations for hyperparathyroidism were operated upon after the parathyroid lesion had been localized preoperatively using a suspension of carbon particles in water. The enlarged parathyroid glands were identified by using one or more of the following: computed axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or Sestamibi nuclear scan. The lesion was then localized with ultrasound or computed axial tomography and a carbon track was inserted from the lesion to the skin, leaving a small skin tattoo as a marker for the surgeon. Each patient underwent a minimally invasive parathyroid operation.Results:  For each of the three patients the recurrent or persistent parathyroid adenoma was successfully identified and removed via a small incision.Conclusion:  Minimally invasive techniques for primary hyperparathyroidism are changing our approach to parathyroid surgery. However, a minimally invasive technique is less applicable when the disease is persistent or recurrent. Although, when the recurrent or persistent parathyroid adenoma can be identified, localization and carbon tracking have proved useful in allowing the surgeon to remove the lesion via a minimally invasive technique.
Parastomal hernia following minimally invasive stoma formation
Authors: Carne Peter W. G. , Frye John N. R. , Robertson Greg M. , Frizelle Frank A. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Minimally invasive intestinal stoma formation using a laparoscopic approach or through a trephine, is widely described in published literature. The incidence of parastomal hernia (PH) following a stoma formed without formal laparotomy is not well reported. The present review aims to assess the current data available on minimally invasive stoma formation, with particular reference to the incidence of PH.Methods:  A literature search using the Pubmed Medline database was performed, locating English language articles on minimally invasive stoma formation from 1970 to 2002. The manuscripts were searched manually for further references.Results:  The number of published studies describing laparoscopic stoma formation is small (263 stomas) and the follow‐up studied were short (none longer than 1 year). The incidence of PH was 0−6.7%. The incidence following a trephine stoma was 6.7−12%, and the number of patients was small (118) and the follow up short (up to 12 months).Conclusions:  The incidence of PH following minimally invasive stoma formation using a trephine or a laparoscopic technique remains unclear. Studies published to date are generally small and the follow up is short. A prospective randomized trial comparing minimally invasive stoma formation with stoma formation with laparotomy, is required.