bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of serum hyaluronic acid level during the perioperative period of liver resection for evaluation of functional liver reserve
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Shibasaki Shinichi , Sawai Terumitsu , Yamaguchi Eiichiro , Yasutake Toru , Tsuji Takashi , Jibiki Masaaki , Nakagoe Tohru , Ayabe Hiroyoshi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: The serum hyaluronic acid (HA) concentrations reflect the degree of hepatic fibrosis and sinusoidal endothelial cell damage. The HA concentrations were examined to evaluate liver damage during the perioperative period of hepatectomy.Methods: The HA level of serum samples from 79 patients who underwent a hepatectomy was measured, and the results were compared to conventional liver function tests, the degree of fibrosis, liver regeneration and complications.Results: Hyaluronic acid concentrations correlated with the severe fibrosis or histological activity index, and also correlated with liver function tests including transaminase level, platelet counts, prothrombin time activity, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG R15), liver activity at 15 min by technetium‐99m galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy (LHL 15), and portal pressure. The HA level postoperatively correlated with liver function, especially with total bilirubin. Hyaluronic acid levels at day 28 postoperatively correlated with ICG R15 and LHL 15. The hyaluronic acid level before surgery and at day 28 postoperatively correlated with the regeneration of remnant liver in major hepatectomy. The HA levels were significantly higher in patients with hepatic failure or prolonged ascites.Conclusion: Our results indicate that the measurement of the HA level is useful for monitoring liver damage or predicting complications associated with liver surgery.
Inverse relationship between circulating levels of leptin and bone mineral density in chronic liver disease
Authors: Ormarsdóttir Sif , Ljunggren Östen , Mallmin Hans , Olofsson Helena , Blum Werner F , Lööf Lars 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: The pathophysiology of osteoporosis complicating chronic liver disease is unknown. Recent animal studies have found leptin to be a potent inhibitor of bone formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum leptin levels and bone mineral density in patients with chronic liver disease.Methods: Fifty‐eight patients, 39 females and 19 males, and age‐ and gender‐matched controls were included. Bone mineral density was measured by using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Serum leptin was measured by using a radioimmunoassay.Results: The mean serum leptin concentration was 10.4 ± 11.3 and 15.2 ± 17.9 ng/mL; P = 0.11, in the patients and controls, respectively. Leptin correlated positively with body mass index in patients (r = 0.40; P = 0.003) and in controls (r = 0.55; P < 0.0001). In patients classified as Child–Pugh grade B and C, serum leptin correlated negatively with bone mineral density in females at both the lumbar spine and the femoral neck (r = –0.78; P = 0.04 and r = –0.86; P = 0.03, respectively). In male patients, the correlation was only significant at the lumbar spine (r = –0.99; P = 0.002 and r = –0.86; P = 0.06, at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively). No correlation was found between serum leptin and bone mineral density in the controls.Conclusion: An inverse relationship between serum leptin and bone mineral density was found in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The reasons for these findings are uncertain, but a pathophysiological role of circulating leptin in osteoporosis in chronic liver disease is possible.
Buried bumper syndrome: Old problem, new tricks
Authors: Vu Charles KF 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBuried bumper syndrome is a rare complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The condition results from excessive tension between the external and internal bumpers. Several attributing factors may predispose the internal bumper to embedding in the gastric or abdominal wall. Surgical treatment was a reasonable approach to remove the internal bumper. The novel endoscopic method of exposing the buried internal bumper and subsequent removal using a needle knife sphincterotome has been reported. A radiological technique of removing the buried internal bumper was also recently described. We report two cases of buried soft‐tip bumpers that were easily removed by external traction without the need for surgical, invasive endoscopic or radiological methods of removal. In the first case, the original tract was incompletely closed, allowing a new PEG tube to be inserted via the same route. In the second case, an adjacent site was used for the re‐insertion as the original tract had completely closed. Both cases illustrate the ease with which the buried bumpers were removed. The advent of externally removable internal bumpers reduces the need for endoscopic or surgical removal of buried internal bumpers.
Cell kinetics of slow renewing cell populations in mice stomach
Authors: MAGAMI YASUSHI , AZUMA TAKESHI , INOKUCHI HIDETO , MORIYASU FUMINORI , KAWAI KEIICHI , HATTORI TAKANORI 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgorund: The renewal rates of parietal and chief cells in the
gastric mucosa and smooth muscle cells of muscularis propria have not been examined
as precisely as superficial epithelial cells. To examine cell renewal of these cells,
continuous labeling with tritiated ([3H])‐thymidine was performed.Methods: Mice received 112 repeated injections of [3H]‐thymidine at 6‐hour intervals for 28 days after birth and were killed immediately thereafter, or 60, 120, 200 or 300 days after the last injection.Results: After continuous labeling, most cells in the stomach were labeled. At 60 days, unlabeled parietal cells in the neck area of the gland and unlabeled chief cells in the middle part of the gland appeared. Thereafter, the area of unlabeled cells expanded downwards to the bottom of the gland. Times required for labeling of total cell populations of parietal and chief cells to half were less than 60 days and more than 200 days, respectively. At 300 days, most parietal cells and about half of the chief cells remained labeled in the bottom of the gland. The labeling index of smooth muscle cells was about 100% for 300 days.Conclusions: The time required for the newly formed parietal and chief cells to reach the lower end of the gland was more than 300 days. As a total cell population, the renewal rate of parietal cells was more rapid than that of chief cells. However, in terms of the downward migrating cell population, the renewal rate of parietal cells was a little slower than that of chief cells. Smooth muscle cells showed almost no renewal.© 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Routine colonic mucosal biopsy and ileoscopy increases diagnostic yield in patients undergoing colonoscopy for diarrhea
Authors: YUSOFF IAN F , ORMONDE DONALD G , HOFFMAN NEVILLE E 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims: In patients undergoing colonoscopy for diarrhea, when the examination is normal, the role of routine mucosal biopsy remains controversial, particularly in the open‐access setting. It is uncertain whether routine ileoscopy adds anything to colonoscopy alone. We aimed to assess the yield of mucosal biopsy and ileoscopy in patients with diarrhea.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all colonoscopies performed for diarrhea over a 9‐year period in a tertiary referral center with an open‐access service. We then selected cases where the examination was normal and biopsies were performed. The histopathology reports of these selected cases were then reviewed.Results There were 1131 cases identified. The mucosal examination was normal in 465 cases (41%); 362 of these had colonic biopsies performed. Histology was normal in 316 cases (87%) and was non‐specific in 28 cases (8%). Significant histopathology was present in 18 cases (5%) with a significantly higher prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients above 60 years old. Ileoscopy was performed in 508 cases and was abnormal in 26 cases (5%). The abnormality on ileoscopy was the sole abnormality in 13 cases (3%).Conclusions Routine colonic mucosal biopsy and ileoscopy each identify significant additional pathology in 5% of cases when investigating patients with diarrhea, and are recommended as routine practice in this setting. We found ileal biopsy unhelpful when ileoscopy was normal.© 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Detection of serum nitrite and nitrate in primary biliary cirrhosis: Possible role of nitric oxide in bile duct injury
Authors: HOKARI ATSUSHI , ZENIYA MIKIO , ESUMI HIROYASU , KAWABE TOMONOBU , GERSHWIN M ERIC , TODA GOTARO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in autoimmune disease is gaining increased attention because of the relationships between NOS activity and T‐lymphocyte subpopulations and, in particular, the influence of NO on cytokine production by Th1 versus Th2 cells. In addition, there is evidence that both the liver and infiltrating hepatic T cells have inducible NOS‐2 activity.Methods: We studied serum levels of nitrite (NO2–) and nitrate
(NO3–) in groups of patients with liver disease secondary to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Simultaneously, in a nested subpopulation, we studied the liver expression of NOS‐2.Results: Interestingly, there was a significant elevation both of nitrite and of nitrate in patients with PBC but not other liver diseases. Despite such increments, there was no correlation of the levels of nitrite and nitrate with sera levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, platelet count, IgG, IgM, antimitochondrial antibodies or prothrombin time. These data were extended by demonstrating the expression of NOS‐2 by immunohistochemistry in 13/14 patients with PBC, including in 9/14 patient hepatocyte populations and 4/14 bile duct cells. In contrast, NOS‐2 expression was noted in hepatitis B and hepatitis C, but only found within mononuclear cells.Conclusion: Our data suggest that NO produced through NOS‐2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of bile duct injury in some PBC patients.© 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Development of small hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis C after 77 months of a sustained and complete response to interferon therapy
Authors: Yamaura Takahiro , Matsumoto Akihiro , Rokuhara Akinori , Ichijo Tetuya , Tanaka Ehji , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Kajikawa Shoji , Kiyosawa Kendo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  We report a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that developed 77 months following sustained and complete response to interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C. A 67‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with a small mass in the liver that was diagnosed as HCC, 77 months after having completed IFN therapy and having shown a complete response to the therapy with sustained normalization of serum aminotransferases and eradication of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C virus RNA was also not detected in the resected tumorous and non‐tumorous liver tissues by polymerase chain reaction. This suggests that all patients with chronic HCV infection should be followed closely for as long as possible for the potential development of HCC, even after a complete and sustained response to IFN treatment.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Liver as an ideal target for gene therapy: Expression of CTLA4Ig by retroviral gene transfer
Authors: Cheung Siu Tim , Tsui Tung Yu , Wang Wei Lin , Yang Zhen Fan , Wong San Yu , Ip Ying Chi , Luk John , Fan Sheung Tat 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims: Liver has been a target organ for gene therapy as it plays a central role in metabolism and production of serum proteins. Many metabolic disorders result from a deficiency of liver‐derived protein products. In transplantation settings, modulation of the immune responses caused by CTLA4Ig protein has been shown to be an attractive direction. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of hepatocyte transduction via introduction of the exogenous CTLA4Ig gene to the rat liver graft by retrovirus vector, and examined the presence of target serum protein after gene transfers.Methods: We constructed a replication defective retroviral vector that contained the CTLA4Ig gene. The liver graft regeneration index was first examined by 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine, Ki‐67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibodies to determine the optimal time of gene transduction. The liver graft was then perfused with the retroviral vector, and animals were killed at constant time points to examine for the presence of CTLA4 protein in the graft and peripheral blood.Results: CTLA4 protein was detected on postoperative days 5, 9 and 14, with liver graft tissue transduction indexes of 7.2, 10.9 and 1.8, respectively. Blood protein levels were at 151.6, 26.5 and 21.4 ρg/mL, respectively. A transduction index reaching 22.1 was observed in the graft with the most rapid liver regeneration.Conclusions: We had established the gene delivery model in rat with auxiliary partial liver transplantation. Expression of the exogenous gene delivered by retrovirus was demonstrated in the liver with secretion of diffusible protein in the bloodstream. The present study provides important information for gene transfer using the liver to produce the target protein in situ and as serum protein. This will also be applicable to the treatment of other metabolic diseases.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Reflux esophagitis facilitates low Helicobacter pylori infection rate and gastric inflammation
Authors: Jang Tae Jung , Kim Nam Il , Suh Jeong Ill , Yang Chang Heon 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Helicobacter pylori
is regarded as an important pathogen in upper gastrointestinal diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between
H. pylori
infection and reflux esophagitis. Therefore, an investigation was undertaken in Korean subjects regarding the incidence of
H. pylori infection, and a histopathological study of reflux esophagitis was also carried out.Methods: Analysis of gastric biopsy specimens was conducted for 73 patients with reflux esophagitis and 132 control subjects without reflux esophagitis. The H. pylori infection was assessed by using rapid urease test and the immunohistochemical method, and gastric mucosal morphologic change was analyzed according to the updated Sydney system.Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lower in patients with reflux esophagitis than in the non‐reflux group. Grade of inflammation and glandular atrophy in the antrum and body were higher in patients in the non‐reflux group compared with those in the reflux esophagitis group.Conclusions: It is suggested that H. pylori infection decreases the risk of reflux esophagitis by inducing atrophic gastritis.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Combination therapy for children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Dikici Bunyamin , Bosnak Mehmet , Bosnak Vuslat , Dagli Abdullah , Ece Aydin , Yagci Rasit Vural , Haspolat Kenan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of two different interferon (INF)‐α and lamivudine (LAM) combination therapy regimens in childhood chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections.Methods: Thirty‐two children with CHB infection were prospectively evaluated in two random groups. In the first group, patients received INF‐α 10 MU/m2 and LAM 4 mg/kg (max 100 mg) simultaneously for 6 months, and then LAM alone was continued for 6 months. In the second group, LAM was started alone for the first 2 months, then INF‐α added to LAM for 6 months, after which INF‐α was stopped, and LAM alone was continued for 4 months. The same doses of LAM and INF‐α were used in both groups.Results: In the first group, the mean values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were 125 ± 100 IU/L and 28 ± 8 IU/L at the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the 12 months, respectively (P < 0.05). At the end of 6 months of the follow‐up period, the mean ALT value was 36 ± 37 IU/L. In group 2, mean ALT values were 111 ± 63 IU/L, 35 ± 2 IU/L and 34 ± 2 IU/L initially, at the end of 12 months and at the end of 6 months of follow up, respectively (P < 0.05). At the end of therapy, the ratios of hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) clearance and antibody to HBeAg (anti‐HBe) seroconversion were 65% and 47% in group 1 and 60% and 40% in group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). After 6 months from completion of therapy, rates of seroconversion to anti‐HBe were found to be 64% and 47% in group 1, and 53% and 46% in group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was detectable by polymerase chain reaction in only one patient in group 1 at the end of therapy and 6 months after termination of therapy. Clearance of HBV DNA in group 2 was observed in all but one patient at the end of the therapy. However, two patients relapsed within 6 months of cessation of therapy. Complete response occurred in 47% and 40% of patients at the end of the therapy in group 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). These ratios were changed to 47% and 46%, respectively, 6 months after discontinuation of drugs (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Comparison of our two different combination regimens disclosed similar results in the normalization of ALT, clearance of HBeAg and HBV DNA and seroconversion to anti‐HBe. However, the most beneficial combination of LAM and INF‐α treatment modalities needs to be further investigated.
Effect of antisense human telomerase RNA on malignant phenotypes of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Yang Shi‐Ming , Fang Dian‐Chun , Yang Jin‐Liang , Liang Guang‐Ping , Lu Rong , Luo Yuan‐Hui , Liu Wei‐Wen 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Aim
: The study was designed to explore the effects of antisense human telomerase RNA (ahTR) on the malignant phenotype of gastric carcinoma cell line SGC‐7901, and its potential role in gene therapy for tumors.
Methods
: An ahTR eukaryotic expression vector, including the sequence of template region of telomere repeats, was constructed by recombinant technology of molecules and then transfected into gastric carcinoma cell line SGC‐7901 by liposome DOTAP. Subsequently, the expression of hTR RNA and ahTR RNA by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, telomerase activity by telomeric repeat amplification protocol‐ELISA (TRAP‐ELISA), telomere length by Southern blotting, cell morphology under light microscope, cellular proliferation capacity by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2 thiazoyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, cell‐cycle distribution by flow cytometry, efficiency of clone formation in soft agar, and tumorigenecity in nude mice were examined and evaluated in ahTR‐transfected cells, control plasmid pCI‐neo transfected cells and their parental cells.
Results
: An ahTR eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and successfully transfected into SGC‐7901 cells. The telomerase activity in ahTR‐transfected SGC‐7901 cells decreased from 100% to ap‐proximately 25%, and telomere length in the cells shortened to 3.35 from 4.08 Kb at 60 population doublings. Compared with the parental cells and pCI‐neo transfected cells, ahTR‐transfected cells displayed some morphological changes, such as decreased atypia, and recovery of contact inhibition and density inhibition under light microscope. Furthermore, ahTR‐transfected cells displayed decreased invasive capacity in Borden's chamber invasive model, increased G0/G1 phase rate and apoptotic rate. Surprisingly, ahTR‐transfected SGC‐7901 cells lost their capacity for clone formation in soft agar and tumorigencity in nude mice.
Conclusion
: Antisense‐hTR transfection can inhibit the growth of SGC‐7901 cells and partially reverse the malignant phenotypes. This study provides an exciting approach for cancer therapy by inhibiting telomerase activity using an antisense gene.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Accuracy of a new near patient test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese
Authors: WONG WAI MAN , LAM SHIU KUM , XIA HARRY HX , TANG VERA SY , LAI KAM CHUEN , HU WAYNE HC , CHAN CHI KUEN , CHEUNG KWAN LOK , WONG BENJAMIN CY 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aim:
The performance of existing near patient tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori remains unsatisfactory. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a new near patient test (Signify H. pylori) for the diagnosis of H. pylori and the usefulness of the Signify H. pylori test for a test and treat strategy.
Methods:
Consecutive dyspeptic patients referred for upper endoscopy were recruited. Rapid urease test and histology were used as the gold standard. After endoscopy, blood was collected for the Signify H. pylori test and compared with a gold standard.
Results:
Two hundred and forty‐four patients were eligible for analysis and 121 (49.5%) were positive for H. pylori. The Signify H. pylori test showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 84.3, 89.4%, and 86.9%, respectively, for whole blood and 79.3, 88.6, and 84.0% for serum, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the Signify H. pylori whole blood test was 87.5 and 92.6% for patients less than 45‐years‐old and the accuracy was similar between patients referred from primary care physicians or gastroenterologists. The test is easy to operate and results are available within 5 min.
Conclusion:
The Signify H. pylori test is accurate for the near patient diagnosis of H. pylori infection.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Rabbit model of non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis with repeated immunosensitization by rabbit splenic extract
Authors: KATHAYAT R , PANDEY GK , MALHOTRA V , OMANWAR S , SHARMA BK , SARIN SK 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) or idiopathic portal hypertension, a disease of unknown etiology, is a common cause of portal hypertension in developing countries. Attempts to understand the etiopathogenesis of NCPF by developing animal models have been made. We describe a novel approach using repeated injections of rabbit splenic extract that were obtained from a previously primed rabbit, to develop a model of NCPF.
Methods
: Twenty‐eight rabbits (1.5–2.0 kg) were divided into the control (group I, n
= 13) and the experimental (group II, n = 15) groups. The supernatant obtained after centrifugation of a 20% splenic homogenate, containing 6 mg protein/mL, was mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant (1:1 ratio) and injected intramuscularly to the recipient rabbits every 2 weeks for 3 months. Portal pressure was measured by inserting a cannula into the gastrosplenic vein.
Results
: The mean portal pressure in group II was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than group I at 1 (19.4 ± 2.9 vs 10.4 ± 2.2 mmHg), 3 (16.7 ± 1.1 vs 7.2 ± 3.6 mmHg), and 6 (20.3 ± 5.4 vs 10.3 ± 4.8 mmHg) months. The mean splenic weight in group II was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than group I at 1, 3 and 6 months. Histopathology of spleen showed medullary congestion, hemosidrin laden macrophages and mild fibrosis. Liver showed normal hepatocytes with mild portal lymphocytic infiltrates and Kupffer cell hyperplasia. No significant anomalies were observed in the tests of liver function at 1 and 6 months.
Conclusions
: This animal model showed significant splenomegaly, with persistent rise in portal pressure without hepatic parenchymal injury, quite akin to NCPF seen in humans. This study also proposes that repeated immunostimulation may have an important role in the pathogenesis of NCPF.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd