bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronic acid, an accurate serum marker for severe hepatic fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Angulo Paul , Lymp James , Li Dave , Satomura Shinji , Lindor Keith 
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Aim: To determine whether serum hyaluronic acid reliably predicts the severity of hepatic fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods: We studied 79 patients with histologically confirmed NAFLD. Hyaluronic acid was measured in serum obtained at the time of liver biopsy. Severity of fibrosis was staged based on Brunt's classification. The prediction levels for fibrosis were determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).Results: The logarithm of serum hyaluronic acid was significantly different among the stages of fibrosis (P<0.0001, analysis of variance) and had a significant positive correlation with the degrees of fibrosis after adjusting for age and serum albumin (partial r=0.44, P<0.0001). AUCs were 0.67, 0.87, 0.89, and 0.92 for any levels of fibrosis, ≥moderate fibrosis, ≥severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis, all of which were significantly higher than 0.5 (P<0.05). The cut‐off value of serum hyaluronic acid of 46.1 μg/l was associated with the highest AUC for severe fibrosis, yielding a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 80%. The corresponding positive and negative predictive values were 51% and 96%, when assuming prevalence of severe fibrosis in NAFLD patients of 20% at referral centers.Conclusions: Measurement of serum hyaluronic acid is useful to identify NAFLD patients with severe fibrosis.
Correlation of nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide changes with altered cGMP homeostasis in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Montoliu Carmina , Kosenko Elena , Del Olmo Juan A. , Serra Miguel A. , Rodrigo José M. , Felipo Vicente 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Background: Cyclic GMP (cGMP) concentration is increased in plasma of patients with liver cirrhosis. Three possible mechanisms may contribute: increased cGMP synthesis by soluble (activated by nitric oxide), or particulate (activated by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)) guanylate cyclase or increased release from cells.Aim: The aim of this work was to analyze the possible contributors to increased plasma cGMP and to assess whether changes in the parameters of the system vary with the degree of liver disease (Child Pugh score) or by the presence of ascites.Methods: We measured cGMP in plasma and lymphocytes, soluble guanylate cyclase activation by nitric oxide in lymphocytes, nitrates and nitrites and ANPs (activator of particulate guanylate cyclase) in plasma. We analyzed the correlation between changes in different parameters to discern which parameters contribute to increased plasma cGMP.Results: The plasma content of nitrates+nitrites, ANP and cGMP are increased. Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide is increased in patients while basal cGMP in lymphocytes is decreased.Conclusions: Both increased ANP and increased activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide contribute to increased plasma cGMP in patients. The concentrations of ANP and cGMP in plasma increase with the degree of disease and are higher in patients with ascites.
Zonation of alanine metabolism in the bivascularly perfused rat liver
Authors: Botini Fernanda Fonseca , Suzuki‐Kemmelmeier Fumie , Nascimento Écio Alves , Ide Luci Tiemi , Bracht Adelar 
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Aims/Background: Zonation of alanine metabolism was investigated in the bivascularly perfused rat liver, a technique in which a selective area of the periportal region can be reached via the hepatic artery.Methods: Bivascular liver perfusion was done in both the antegrade and retrograde modes. Predominance of a given metabolic parameter in the periportal or perivenous area was deduced from comparisons of the changes caused by alanine infusion into the hepatic artery in antegrade and retrograde perfusion.Results: Confirming previous notions, glutamine synthesis predominated in the perivenous area, however, the contribution of the periportal area was significant. Gluconeogenesis and the associated extra oxygen consumption were more pronounced in the periportal region. The capacity of urea synthesis in the periportal region was relatively small as indicated by the ratios of urea to glucose production, which were lower in this region. Ammonia in the periportal region was considerably above the mean ammonia production of whole the liver parenchyma. The overflows of pyruvate and lactate were considerably smaller in the periportal region.Conclusion: The distribution of alanine metabolism seems to reflect mainly zonation of the fates of the carbon skeleton (mainly gluconeogenesis). The production of glutamine in the periportal area is in agreement with recent reports about the presence of glutamine synthetase in Kupffer and endothelial cells.
Increased expression of uncoupling protein 2 in HepG2 cells attenuates oxidative damage and apoptosis
Authors: Collins Peter , Jones Catherine , Choudhury Sarah , Damelin Leonard , Hodgson Humphrey 
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Introduction: Oxidative damage plays a major part in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) may be able to limit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and be cytoprotective.Methods: We investigated the effect of up‐regulation of UCP2 in a hepatoblastoma cell line exposed to menadione or hypoxia/re‐oxygenation.Results: Lipid and protein oxidation was increased in HepG2 cells exposed to ROS but this increase was significantly lower in cells over‐expressing UCP2 under identical conditions. LDH release increased 2.5‐fold in response to hypoxia/re‐oxygenation in control HepG2 cells with no significant increase in UCP2 transfected cells. Hypoxia/re‐oxygenation resulted in a reduction in liver‐specific protein secretion that was attenuated in transfected cells and UCP2 over‐expression also resulted in a 66% reduction in apoptosis compared with non‐transfected controls.Conclusions: These data suggest that UCP2 can limit oxidative damage in HepG2 cells in response to oxidative stress resulting in improved cell function and resistance to apoptosis.
Transplant immunosuppressive agents in non‐transplant chronic autoimmune hepatitis: the Canadian association for the study of liver (CASL) experience with mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus
Authors: Chatur Nazira , Ramji Alnoor , Bain Vincent G. , Ma Mang M. , Marotta Paul J. , Ghent Cameron N. , Lilly Leslie B. , Heathcote E. Jenny , Deschenes Marc , Lee Samuel S. , Steinbrecher Urs P. , Yoshida Eric M. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Background: Conventional treatment of autoimmune hepatitis consists of either prednisone alone or in combination with azathioprine. Ten to 20% of patients do not respond to or are intolerant of this treatment. Novel drug treatments include immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), methotrexate and cyclosporine. We describe a multi‐centre Canadian experience with MMF and TAC.Objective: To study a multi‐centre patient population who had failed conventional therapy and were treated with non‐conventional medical therapy for autoimmune hepatitis and document response.Methods: Members of the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver (CASL) obtained MMF from Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd, as part of a compassionate release program, were contacted for standardized data on patients with AIH who received MMF or TAC. Response definitions based on aminotransferase changes were: Complete response (CR)‐sustained normalization, partial response (PR)‐improvement by greater than 50%, non‐response (NR)‐less than 50% improvement and relapse (RP)‐initial CR or PR followed by an increase in aminotransferases.Results: A total of 16 patients were identified: six in Ontario, one in Quebec, five in Alberta and four in British Columbia. Three were treated with TAC, eleven with MMF and two with combination MMF and TAC. CR was observed in 50%, PR in 12.5%, RP in 25% and NR occurred in 12.5%. The CR for MMF without TAC was approximately 64%.Conclusions: MMF is effective and well tolerated by patients with autoimmune hepatitis who do not respond to, or are intolerant of, conventional immunosuppressive agents.
Efficacy of zinc supplementation in preventing acute hepatitis in Long–Evans Cinnamon rats
Authors: Medici Valentina , Sturniolo Giacomo Carlo , Santon Alessandro , D'Incà Renata , Bortolami Marina , Cardin Romilda , Basso Daniela , Albergoni Vincenzo , Irato Paola 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Objectives: Objectives: Long–Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats are characterized by an abnormal hepatic deposition of copper (Cu) due to a lack of the Cu‐transporter P‐type adenosine triphosphatase: accordingly, the strain is a good animal model of Wilson's disease. The effect of oral zinc (Zn) acetate treatment on the development of acute hepatitis and the biochemical parameters of Cu‐induced liver damage was studied in 5‐week‐old LEC rats (n=52).Methods: Rats receiving 50 or 80 mg/ml/day Zn acetate by gavage and control rats receiving a daily dose of glucose solution 0.02 g/ml by gastric intubation were killed at 1, 2 or 8 weeks after the start of treatment.Results: Treatment with Zn acetate resulted in the prevention of acute hepatitis: 10 of the 13 untreated rats developed signs and symptoms compatible with acute hepatitis between the 6th and 7th week of treatment. Tissue metallothionein (MT) significantly increased in the treated rats and positively correlated with Zn concentrations within the liver. Control rats had a significantly higher iron concentration in the liver and kidneys compared with supplemented rats, after both short‐ and long‐term experiments. 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine amounts were significantly lower in untreated rats.Conclusions: Zn acetate prevents acute hepatitis, by increasing tissue MT concentrations, reducing Cu absorption and interfering with Fe metabolism.
Intracellular localization of NS3 and C proteins in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Kasprzak Aldona , Seidel Jolanta , Biczysko Wiesława , Wysocki Jacek , Spachacz Rafał , Zabel Maciej 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Background: The cellular localization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins in chronic hepatitis C remains a debatable issue. Aim of the studies included cellular and subcellular localization of two HCV proteins, NS3 and C protein, in liver biopsies from 20 children with chronic hepatitis C employing commercially available monoclonal antibodies and a semiquantitative technique of the proteins expression. In the studies advantage was taken of (Strept)avidin‐biotin peroxidase complex and ImmunoMax technique.Results: The cytoplasmic localization of both proteins dominated over nuclear localization. The total amount of NS3 protein exceeded that of C protein. At the ultrastructural level, we observed both proteins in endoplasmic reticulum membranes and mitochondria, but small amount of both proteins was seen also in cell nuclei. The amount of either protein did not correlate with liver histology in our patients. No correlation could be disclosed between content of both proteins and HCV RNA levels in serum. Content of NS3 demonstrated negative correlation with activity of alanine transaminase.Conclusion: In conclusion, the new aspect in present studies involved localization of C and NS3 proteins at the levels of light and electron microscopy in children. For the first time also intramitochondrial localization of NS3 protein was demonstrated.
Relationship between Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive α‐fetoprotein and pathologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kiriyama Seiki , Sone Yasuhiro , Tanikawa Makoto , Hisanaga Yasuhiro , Kitabatake Shusuke , Kuzuya Teiji , Nonogaki Koji , Shimizu Junichi , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Isogai Masatoshi , Kaneoka Yuji , Washizu Junji , Satomura Shinji 
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Aim: We investigated pathological features of Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive α‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3)‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in order to seek a pathological basis of poor prognosis of HCC patients with elevated AFP‐L3.Methods: A total of 111 patients with HCC ≤5 cm in diameter who underwent hepatic resection were studied. Serum AFP‐L3 concentration was measured within a month prior to surgery by lectin‐affinity electrophoresis coupled with antibody‐affinity blotting, and expressed as AFP‐L3 percentage of total AFP. AFP‐L3 of 10% or higher was judged to be positive. Pathologic features of resected HCC specimens were evaluated and classified concerning growth pattern (expansive or infiltrative growth), capsule formation, capsule infiltration, septal formation, portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion, bile duct invasion, and intrahepatic metastasis. These macroscopic and microscopic findings were compared between AFP‐L3‐positive and negative HCC specimens.Results: Thirty‐three (29.7%) were positive for AFP‐L3. The prevalence of HCC with infiltrative growth, with capsule infiltration, with septum formation, with portal vein invasion, and with hepatic vein invasion was significantly higher in AFP‐L3‐positive group (P=0.0121, 0.0290, 0.0442, 0.0314, and 0.0433, respectively). These pathologic features reportedly indicate the progression of the tumor.Conclusions: AFP‐L3‐positive HCC had several pathologic features of progressed state of HCC, which accounted for the AFP‐L3 as an indicator of poor prognosis of HCC.
Adiponectin levels among patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infections and in response to IFN‐α therapy
Authors: Lu Jin‐Ying , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Yang Wei‐Shiung , Tai Tong‐Yuan , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Pei‐Jer , Kao Jia‐Horng , Lee Cha‐Ze , Lee Hsuan‐Shu 
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Aims: The study was designed to survey the change of adiponectin levels before and after interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infections.Methods: Twenty‐one biopsy‐proved patients with chronic hepatitis B (10 cases) and hepatitis C (11 cases) were given IFN‐α for a total of 24 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and adiponectin levels were obtained before and 12 weeks after completion of IFN‐α therapy. Insulin suppression test was conducted before and within 1 week after IFN‐α therapy.Results: The change of adiponectin levels differed significantly between responders (eight cases) and non‐responders (13 cases) to IFN‐α treatment (−4.8±2.2 vs. 0.5±1.0 μg/ml, P=0.03). After adjusting for age, gender and change in body mass index, the study found the change of adiponectin levels still significantly related to the response to IFN‐α (P=0.04). When hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients were separately analyzed, the adiponectin levels reported a trend to decrease in HCV responders (11.9±3.2 vs. 10.8±3.0 μg/ml, P=0.02, n=4) and HBV responders (17.7±4.1 vs. 9.2±1.0 μg/ml, P=0.10, n=4). In addition, a significant decrease of steady‐state plasma glucose in insulin suppression test was noted in responders (13.6±1.8–11.7±1.2 mmol/l, P=0.03), but not in non‐responders (12.3±1.1–11.0±1.0 mmol/l, P=0.20), after IFN‐α therapy.Conclusions: IFN‐α resulted in a decrease of serum adiponectin levels but an improvement of insulin resistance in responders to the treatment. The result contradicts previous concept of the relationship between insulin resistance and adiponectin levels. Whether and how the augmented immune response, which was supposed to result from the disappearance or the profound down‐regulation of the virus or viral antigens in responders to IFN‐α treatment, contributes to the lowering of adiponectin levels needs to be further investigated.
Successful treatment of hepatitis C reinfection with interferon‐α2b and ribavirin after liver transplantation
Authors: Yedibela Süleyman , Schuppan Detlef , Müller Volker , Schellerer Vera , Tannapfel Andrea , Hohenberger Werner , Meyer Thomas 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Abstract: Introduction: Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a virtually universal occurrence, and a significant proportion of patients develop chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of interferon (IFN)‐α2b plus ribavirin (RIBA) in the treatment of recurrent HCV after OLT over the long term.Material and methods: Fifteen patients with recurrent HCV infection (positive serum HCV RNA, elevated serum aminotransferases, histological activity) were started on IFN‐α2b (3–6 million units administered subcutaneously three times a week) plus RIBA (800–1200 mg/day) 18±5 months after OLT. HCV RNA was determined 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after initiation of treatment. Liver biopsy was performed before and after therapy. The patients were followed up for a mean of 33±5 months.Results: Thirteen patients (87%) were treated for at least 6 months and nine patients (60%) for 12 months. After 3 months, 11 patients (73%) were free from HCV RNA (<50 copies/ml); the virological end‐of‐treatment response was 67%. Five patients (33%) remained HCV RNA‐negative 6 months posttreatment (sustained response (SR)). During the follow‐up period, four patients (27%) died of liver failure, recurrent HCV after virological response, or HCC. The histological activity index improved significantly for both inflammatory activity and fibrosis, from 8.8 to 4.7 and from 7.3 to 4.8, respectively. In none of the patients were signs of rejection observed.Conclusion: Combination therapy with IFN and RIBA in transplanted patients with chronic hepatitis C is an effective treatment that results in a high virological SR rate. It is well tolerated and leads to an improvement in histological outcome.
Growth hormone and connective tissue in exercise
Authors: Doessing S. , Kjaer M. 
Published: July 2005

Over the last few years, growth hormone (GH) has become increasingly popular as doping within different sports. However, the precise mechanisms behind the ergogenic (performance enhancing) effects of GH in athletes are still being debated. Besides a well‐documented stimulatory effect of GH on carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, and a possible anabolic effect on myofibrillar muscle protein, we suggest a role for GH as an anabolic agent in connective tissue in human skeletal muscle and tendon. Given the importance of the connective tissue for the function of skeletal muscle and tendon, a strengthening effect of GH on connective tissue could fit with the ergogenic effect of GH experienced by athletes.This review examines the endogenous secretion of GH and its mediators in relation to exercise. Furthermore, we consider the effect of endogenous GH and administered recombinant human GH (rhGH) on both myofibrillar and connective tissue protein synthesis, thus offering an alternative explanation for the ergogenic effect of GH. Finally, we suggest a possible therapeutic role for rhGH in clinical management of the frequently suffered injuries in the connective tissue.
Assessing the prevalence of dental caries among elementary school children in North Korea: a cross‐sectional survey in the Kangwon province
Authors: Goe Leon C , Baysac Mary Anne S , Todd Knox H , Linton John A 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Objectives:  The lack of epidemiological studies has made it difficult to assess the extent of public health problems in North Korea. In the absence of empirical data, less intrusive study designs acceptable to the North Korean government could be developed to gauge the public's health. To this end we developed a basic oral health survey in order to assess the prevalence of untreated dental caries among children.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of 854 elementary school students was conducted in the city of Wonsan, North Korea. Students were screened and classified into one of three states of oral health: no caries, minor caries or severe dental caries. Verbal surveys were concurrently administered on children to collect basic information on oral health behaviours and demographic characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if any variables were significant predictors of oral health status category.Results:  Among the 854 students screened, we found 255 students with no caries (29.9%), 316 students with minor caries (37.0%), and 283 students with severe caries (33.1%). The majority of students (70.1%) screened had dental caries. Almost all of the students (98.5%) claimed to brush their teeth daily and 71.2% of students visited a dentist in the past year. There were no significant predictors of oral health status.Conclusions:  The oral health of children in Wonsan, North Korea is comparable if not slightly better than the oral health status of children of similar age in countries with similar Social‐Economic Status (SES). Basic oral health screens are useful to produce a snapshot of general oral health status among children in North Korea and may provide insight as to the general health of these children.
Probing the existence of the Epeak–Eiso correlation in long gamma ray bursts
Authors: Ghirlanda Giancarlo , Ghisellini Gabriele , Firmani Claudio 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
We probe the existence of the Epeak–Eiso correlation in long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) using a sample of 442 BATSE bursts with known Epeak and with redshift estimated through the lag–luminosity correlation. This sample confirms that the rest-frame peak energy is correlated with the isotropic equivalent energy. The distribution of the scatter of the points around the best-fitting line is similar to that obtained with the 27 bursts with spectroscopic redshifts. We interpret the scatter in the Epeak–Eiso plane as due to the opening angle distribution of GRB jets. By assuming that the collimation corrected energy correlates with Epeak we can derive the observed distribution of the jet opening angles, which turns out to be lognormal with a peak value of .
The connection between shear and star formation in spiral galaxies
Authors: Seigar Marc S. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
We present a sample of 33 galaxies for which we have calculated (i) the average rate of shear from published rotation curves, (ii) the far-infrared luminosity from IRAS fluxes, and (iii) the Ks-band luminosity from the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). We show that a correlation exists between the shear rate and the ratio of the far-infrared to Ks-band luminosity. This ratio is essentially a measure of the star formation rate per unit mass, or the specific star formation rate. From this correlation we show that a critical shear rate exists, above which star formation would turn off in the discs of spiral galaxies. Using the correlation between shear rate and spiral arm pitch angle, this shear rate corresponds to the lowest pitch angles typically measured in near-infrared images of spiral galaxies.
Evaporation and condensation of H I clouds in thermally bistable interstellar media: semi-analytic description of isobaric dynamics of curved interfaces
Authors: Nagashima Masahiro , Koyama Hiroshi , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
We analyse the evaporation and condensation of spherical and cylindrical H i clouds of the cold neutral medium surrounded by the warm neutral medium. Because the interstellar medium including those two phases is well described as a thermally bistable fluid, it is useful to apply pattern formation theories to the dynamics of the interface between the two phases. Assuming isobaric evolution of fluids and a simple polynomial form of the heat-loss function, we show the curvature effects of the interface. We find that approximate solutions for spherical clouds are in good agreement with numerically obtained solutions. We extend our analysis to general curved interfaces taking into account the curvature effects explicitly. We find that the curvature effects always stabilize curved interfaces under assumptions such as isobaric evolution that we adopt in this Letter.