bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limitations of imaging diagnosis for small hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison with histological findings
Authors: Horigome Hideo , Nomura Tomoyuki , Saso Katsuhisa , Itoh Makoto , Joh Takashi , Ohara Hirotaka 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: The purpose of this study was to clarify the value and limitation of imaging modalities for diagnosing small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
: Nodules (n = 207) with diameters of 20 mm or less detected by periodic ultrasonography and computed tomography in 139 patients with chronic liver disease were investigated with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These findings were compared with histological findings.
Results
: Histological diagnoses were adenomatous hyperplasia (AH, n = 27), well‐differentiated HCC (n = 99), moderately differentiated HCC (n = 79) and poorly differentiated HCC (n = 2). We compared two groups: group A (n = 62), nodules of 10 mm diameters or less; and group B (n = 145), nodules 11–20 mm. Adenomatous hyperplasia accounted for approximately 30% of group A, but was difficult to diagnose with imaging modalities alone. We diagnosed those nodules showing hypervascular staining on DSA or hyperintensity on MRI T2‐weighted images as HCC. Imaging alone was sufficient to diagnose HCC in 58% of the well‐differentiated nodules and 87% of the moderately and poorly differentiated nodules (P < 0.01). It was possible to diagnose HCC by imaging alone in 60% of all nodules or 45% of group A and 68% of group B (A vs B, P < 0.005).
Conclusions
: With decreasing differentiation and increasing diameter of nodules, the use of imaging modalities to diagnose HCC improved. Tumour biopsy was required to diagnose 55% of the cases in group A and 32% of the cases in group B.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Endoscopic management of gastric varices using a detachable snare and simultaneous endoscopic sclerotherapy and O‐ring ligation
Authors: Yoshida Tomoharu , Harada Toshiya , Shigemitsu Toshinori , Takeo Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Seiji , Okita Kiwamu 
Published: March 2003

Background: Cyanoacrylate injection is highly effective and is regarded as the treatment of choice in bleeding gastric varices in Europe, but intravenous injection of cyanoacrylate is not allowed in the USA and Japan because it may cause embolisms in other organs. Accordingly, we developed a new endoscopic combined treatment of endoscopic management of gastric varices using a detachable snare (EVLs) and simultaneous endoscopic sclerotherapy and O‐ring ligation (EISL) (i.e. EVLs + EISL), and we prospectively evaluated its efficacy and safety. Methods: Gastric varices were ligated with the loop of a detachable snare that opened to a diameter of 4 cm (EVLs). Then the residual varices around the ligated portion were sclerosed by ethanolamine oleate and the injected vessel was ligated using a pneumo‐activated EVL device (EISL). The EVLs + EISL was performed in 35 patients: on an emergency basis in eight patients, on an elective basis in six patients and as primary prophylaxis in 21 patients. Liver function was classified as Child–Pugh class A in 12 patients, class B in 12 patients and class C in 11 patients. Results: Endoscopic disappearance of gastric varices was obtained in 97.1% of the patients and they regressed in all patients. Haemostasis was achieved in all eight emergency cases. The 2‐year cumulative non‐recurrence rate was 85%, the 2‐year cumulative non‐bleeding rate was 92% and the 2‐year cumulative survival was 80%. No patients died of bleeding from gastric varices. There were no serious short‐term complications, such as haemorrhage, gastro‐oesophageal perforation, ileus, or renal impairment. Conclusion: Combined EVLs + EISL appears to be a useful treatment for gastric varices due to its safety and good clinical outcome.
The haemochromatosis gene: A co‐factor for chronic liver diseases?
Authors: George Dk , Powell Lawrie W , Losowsky Ms 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that hepatotoxins, such as alcohol and the hepatitis viruses, act as co‐factors in causing hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. For example, alcohol aggravates the hepatic damage produced by iron in hereditary haemochromatosis. We present evidence that the reverse is also true, that is, that iron loading of mild to moderate degree due to heterozygosity or homozygosity for the haemochromatosis genetic mutations acts as a significant hepatotoxin aggravating hepatic damage from other causes of liver disease. These include non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis C, porphyria cutanea tarda and possibly primary liver cell cancer. However, any additional hepatotoxic effect is due to the hepatic iron concentration and not the mutations in the haemochromatosis genes.
C ASE R	EPORT: Dramatic response to lamivudine therapy following corticosteroid priming in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liaw Yun‐Fan , Chien Rong‐Nan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 21 year‐old male patient with chronic hepatitis B was treated with lamivudine 150 mg daily after withdrawal of a short course of oral prednisolone (30 mg daily for 3 weeks, 15 mg daily for 1 week). Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA increased during prednisolone pretherapy and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was increasing after withdrawal of prednisolone. Clearance of HBV‐DNA with hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion and ALT normalization occurred within 2 months after starting lamivudine therapy. If this dramatic response to lamivudine therapy after corticosteroid priming is confirmed by further studies, the regimens used in this particular case might become a powerful therapeutic tool for chronic HBV infection.
Molecular biology of gastric carcinoma: From laboratory to bedside
Authors: Chan Annie On‐On , Luk John Mc , Hui Wai‐Mo , Lam Shiu‐Kum 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAlthough the advancement of molecular oncology in gastric cancer lags behind that of colorectal cancer, the rapid developments witnessed in recent years have improved our understanding of the carcinogenesis, aetiology, progression and metastasis of gastric cancer. The different molecular genetic alterations in intestinal and diffuse types of gastric cancer have further supported the concept that these two pathological types are different disease entities. The association of telomerase and cadherin changes with Helicobacter pylori infection reinforces its aetiological role. The mutated cadherin gene identified in familial gastric cancer has shone light onto the pathogenesis. Adhesion molecules have already been applied to daily clinical practice as prognostic markers. Future molecular studies will contribute to the screening, classification, disease monitoring and therapeutics of gastric cancer.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Mixed cryoglobulinaemia associated with hepatitis C virus infection: A predictor factor for treatment with interferon?
Authors: Pellicano Rinaldo , Marietti Giorgio , Leone Nicola , Arena Vincenzo , Palmas Franco , Rizzetto Mario , Ponzetto Antonio 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) is a frequent finding among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The response to treatment with alpha‐interferon (α‐IFN) in these patients is linked to predictive factors. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the presence of MC was a predictive factor of response in patients treated with α‐IFN for chronic hepatitis due to HCV.
Methods
: Thirty‐two patients with MC and HCV infection (24 with chronic hepatitis and eight with cirrhosis) were compared with 30 patients with HCV infection without MC (23 chronic hepatitis, seven cirrhosis) of a similar mean age. All were treated with lymphoblastoid α‐IFN, at 3 MU, t.i.w., for 6–12 months and then followed up.
Results
: No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of sustained response (P = 0.83), relapse (P = 0.88) and non‐response (P = 0.92). The mean follow up was 24.3 months (range 17–28) for patients with sustained response and for the patients with MC and 22.6 months (range 15–26) for patients without MC.
Conclusions
: The presence of cryoglobulinaemia does not influence the response to α‐IFN in patients with chronic HCV infection.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Coagulation abnormalities in idiopathic portal venous thrombosis
Authors: Ahuja Vineet , Marwaha Neelam , Chawla Yogesh , Dilawari Jung Bahadur 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Portal vein thrombosis, usually idiopathic, is the cause of portal hypertension in 46% of Indian patients, who present with a variceal bleed. The presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and antithrombin III deficiency have been reported to be associated with an increased tendency to venous thrombosis.
Methods and Results
: We studied 30 patients with portal venous thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasound. Two patients were positive for a lupus anticoagulant and both had very prolonged partial thromboplastin time with kaolin. None of the patients had antithrombin III deficiency.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
ONE‐WEEK TRIPLE THERAPY FOR ERADICATION OF H. PYLORI (with ranitidine bismuth citrate, clarithromycin [250 or 500 mg] and amoxillin or tinidazole)
Authors: Takats Alajos , Gero G. , Szentmihalyi A. , Novak J. , Pesci GY. , Szamosi SZ. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveIt hasn’t enough data for the brand‐new short‐term triple therapy with ranitidin bismuth citrate (RBC) and two antibiotics. In present our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of brand‐new one‐week triple therapy (containing ranitidin bismuth citrate, Clarithromycin [CLA] and Amoxillin [AMOX] or tinidazole [TIN]) in 124 HP positive patients (PTS) (45 with active peptic ulcer and 79 with chronic antral gastritis/ulcer was in their case‐history/).Material & MethodWe tried to use the following drugs combinations for treatment for one week: Group RBCCA: 400 mg RBC bid, 500 mg CLA bid, 1000 mg AMOX bid, group RBCC 500 T : 400 mg RBC bid, 500 mg CLA bid, 500 mg TIN bid, group RBCC250T: 400 mg RBC bid, 250 mg CLA bid, 500 mg TIN bid, group RBCC500T: 400 mg RBC bid, 500 mg CLA bid, 500 mg TIN bid. In ulcer‐PTS 300 mg/day ranitidin treatment was applied for 3 weeks. Upper GI endoscopy was performed with histological, cultivation and/or rapid urease test (RUT) examination prior to and 6 weeks after eradication. We assessed healing rate of peptic ulcer, alteration in the activity of chronic gastritis, and tolerability of the treatment.Result118out of 124 PTS completed the trial (drop out: 6, male: 51, aver. age: 50.28 ys, smoker: 53). Sex PTS dropped out (3 of them in consequence of side effect / diarrhoea and abdominal pain/) Complete ulcer healing was confirmed in all (41) ulcer‐PTS. HP was eradicated in 104 out of 118 PTS (PP:88.1%, ITT: 83.9%). The detailed results are shown on following chart:

Group
TTP
Ulcer.g
Gastritis.
g. RBCCA

RBCCA
84.88 %
88.6 %
92.9 %
86.6 %

RBCC 250T
86.5 %
91.4 %
92.3 %
81.8 %

RBCC 500T
80.5 %
84.6 %
78.6 %
88 %

The drug regimen was very well tolerated (only in 11 cases [8.9 %] they were side effects: nausea, pyrosis, headache and diarrhoea).ConclusionAll of the one‐week triple therapy (cont.RBC) was as effective to eradicate HP as the other triple therapies. The short duration and few side effects ensure the compliance of the PTS.
HISTOLOGICAL DEGREE IN HELICOBACTER PYLORI GASTRITIS IN RELATION TO THE ABSENCE OR PRESENCE OF BILE REFLUX
Authors: Rani Abdul Aziz 
Published: March 2003

Background:the presence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in gastric mucosa could be influenced by bile reflux.Aims:to compare the histological parameters of gastric mucosal biopsies in bile reflux positive and bile reflux negative among the Hp gastritis.Methods:One hundred and forty four patients (M=73, F=71) with Hp gastritis from the private hospital in Jakarta were enrolled in this study. Two biopsy specimens (antrum and corpus of gaster) were taken from all consecutive patients during the period of January 1998 to December 1999. The grade of gastritis was examined according to the Sydney System (chronic inflammation, neutrophillic infiltration, glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia). Presence of Hp infection was determined by histology. A single senior Pathologist did all histopathological assessment. Bile reflux was defined as an evidence of significant amount of bile in gastric lumen with or without hyperemia and/or erosion on gastric mucosa. The presence of raptor during the procedure was an exclusion criteria.Result:twelve (M=4, F=8) out of 144 were positive for bile reflux. Comparison of the average scores of the different histologic features of the biopsy specimens among those with bile reflux and without bile reflux showed that chronic inflammation, neutrophillic infiltration, glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia was statistically not significant.Conclusion:chronic gastritis induced by Hp, suggestively not related to the absence or presence of bile reflux
TIME TRENDS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI RELATED DISEASES FOR THE PAST DECADE
Authors: Jovannovic Ivan , Bulajic Milutin , Milosavljevic Tomica , Bulajic Mirko 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveMost countries have registered decline in distal (antrum and corpus) gastric cancer incidence and mortality. On the other hand, adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia has been increasing with the unknown risk factor being responsible. We studied the time trends of Helicobacter pylori related diseases in the past decade.Material and methodsThis study was based on endoscopy reports of 37 369 in‐ and out patients collected from The Department of The diagnostic endoscopy; Clinic of Gastroenterology and hepatology ‐ Belgrade between 1987 and 1997. Diagnosis of the underlying disorder was established according to the currently accepted endoscopical and histopathological criterion.ResultFrom 1987 and 1997, hospitalization rates for gastric ulcer as well as distal gastric cancer fell (P<0.05), while the hospitalization rate for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease and duodenal ulcer did not change (P<0.05). At the same time, hospitalization rate for gastric cardia cancer rose. When this is compared to the time trends of the duodenal ulcer significant difference between those two trends was observed (P<0.01).ConclusionOpposing time trends of duodenal ulcer versus gastric cardia center is consistent with hypothesis that the declining infection rates for Helicobacter pylori due to the active therapy, in the general population may actually have led to a rise in the occurrence of proximal gastric cancer.
Determination of the optimal cut‐off value for the [13C]‐urea breath test based on a Helicobacter pylori‐specific polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Yoshida Haruhiko , Hirota Katsutaro , Ogura Keiji , Maeda Shin , Shiratori Yasushi , Sasaki Yasuhito 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: This study was conducted to determine the optimal cut‐off value and breath sample collection time for the [13C]‐urea breath test based on the assessment of Helicobacter pylori status with a gastric juice‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Methods and Results
: A total of 104 patients took 100 mg [13C]‐urea orally and breath samples were collected at 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min. The increment of 13CO2:
12CO2 ratio from the baseline (δ13C) was measured using a laser spectroanalyser. The PCR assay was positive in 63 and negative in 41 patients. The optimal cut‐off value of δ13C was calculated for each sample collection time so that the distance from the geometric mean value among Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients and that from the arithmetic mean value among negative patients were simultaneously maximized. The cut‐off value of 2.7‰ at 20 min had the longest distance, being separated by 3.16 SD from the two mean values. Using this cut‐off value, the urea breath test showed 100% specificity and 98% sensitivity for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Liposome‐encapsulated OK‐432 specifically and sustainedly induces hepatic natural killer cells and intermediate T cell receptor cells
Authors: Yamagiwa Satoshi , Ichida Takafumi , Sato Kazunari , Sugahara Satoshi , Yonekura Kenji , Uchida Moriaki , Uehara Kazuhiro , Katoh Masashi , Satoh Hiroshi , Abo Toru , Asakura Hitoshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: OK‐432 is a biological response modifier used in Japan to augment host immunity and is known to increase the host antitumour response. By using liposomes, which are vesicles made from phospholipids that have a structure resembling the cell membrane, we encapsulated OK‐432.
Methods and Results
: Encapsulated OK‐432 was injected into the tail veins of mice, and its effect was compared with that of unencapsulated OK‐432 given intravenously. In mice that received either form of OK‐432, both the number of natural killer (NK) and intermediate T cell receptor (intTCR) cells (intrahepatic T cells generated by extrathymic differentiation) increased markedly in the liver, with the peak level occurring 3 days after administration. Both forms of OK‐432 also increased cytotoxic activity against Yac‐1 cells. The increase in numbers of cells and in cytotoxic activity in the liver persisted for longer in mice that received encapsulated OK‐432 than in animals that received unencapsulated OK‐432.
Conclusions
: Because it has been shown that both NK and intTCR cells play an important role in tumour immunity, an increase in the number of such cells can be considered likely to have an increased antitumour effect. Encapsulated OK‐432 elicited liver‐specific augmentation of cytotoxic activity and the effect was more persistent than that produced by OK‐432 given in the conventional form; therefore, it may be useful for the treatment of tumours, particularly those arising in the liver.
Accumulation of copper in the liver and hepatic injury in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Hatano Ryoji , Ebara Masaaki , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Masaharu , Sugiura Nobuyuki , Kondo Fukuo , Yukawa Masae , Saisho Hiromitsu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Relationships between chronic liver disease and trace metals have not been clearly understood. To examine connections between severity of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and copper, iron and zinc we measured the contents of these metals in liver tissue and serum in the patients.
Methods
: Forty‐one patients (26–62 years), 13 with fibrosis representing grade F1, 16 with F2, seven with F3, and five with F4, entered this study. Metals were quantified in needle liver‐biopsy specimens by particle‐induced X‐ray emission. In serum, metals were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results
: Hepatic copper content increased with progression of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.05). The copper content correlated positively with bilirubin (r = 0.466, P = 0.0023), and with type IV collagen (r = 0.402, P = 0.0086) and correlated negatively with albumin (r = – 0.404, P = 0.080). However, hepatic iron and zinc contents did not show a significant differences between grades of fibrosis.
Conclusions
: Copper accumulation in fibrotic livers caused by chronic hepatitis C may contribute to hepatic injury. The real mechanism is not known at present, but excess copper may damage the liver by oxidative stress.
Role of neutrophils in sinusoidal endothelial cell injury after extensive hepatectomy in cholestatic rats
Authors: Ohtsuka Masayuki , Miyazaki Masaru , Kubosawa Hitoshi , Kondo Yoichiro , Ito Hiroshi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Shimizu Yoshiaki , Nozawa Satoshi , Furuya Seiji , Nakajima Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: The authors have shown previously that sinusoidal endothelial cell injury developed concomitantly with the accumulation of neutrophils in the hepatic sinusoidal space in cholestatic rats after extensive hepatectomy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of neutrophils in the development of this kind of endothelial cell injury.
Methods
: Rats underwent 78% partial hepatectomy after 2 weeks of cholestasis, and subsequent external biliary drainage for 5 days. To decrease the number of neutrophils, antirat neutrophil serum was administered intraperitoneally. Some serum parameters and histological specimens were examined 48 h after partial hepatectomy.
Results
: Anti‐neutrophil serum significantly reduced the number of accumulated neutrophils in the hepatic sinusoids. Although the purine nucleoside phosphorylase : alanine aminotransferase ratio, a marker of non‐parenchymal cell injury, was increased in cholestatic‐hepatectomized rats, this abnormality was significantly attenuated by the treatment with antineutrophil serum. Electron microscopically, focal detachment of cytoplasms of sinusoidal endothelial cells was observed occasionally in cholestatic‐hepatectomized rats, but was not found in the antirat neutrophil serum‐treated rats.
Conclusion
: These results indicate that accumulated neutrophils might be important effector cells in the pathogenesis of sinusoidal endothelial cell injury after extensive hepatectomy in cholestatic rats, even after appropriate external biliary drainage.
Patients with stable uncomplicated cirrhosis have normal neutrophil function
Authors: Kirsch Richard , Woodburne Vivienne E , Shephard Enid G , Kirsch Ralph E 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Neutrophil function has been reported to be abnormal in patients with cirrhosis. In order to evaluate the relative contribution of hepatocellular dysfunction and portalsystemic shunting of blood to these abnormalities, neutrophil function was studied in 18 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Nine patients, with extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH) caused by portal vein thrombosis, who had no clinical, biochemical or histologic evidence of liver disease were also studied.Methods: Superoxide generation, phagocytosis, degranulation, leukotriene B4 release, candidacidal activity and quantitative and qualitative expression of the cell surface adhesive marker CD11b/CD18 were measured in these patients as well as in age‐ and gender‐matched controls.Results: Patients with cirrhosis were found to have a small but statistically significant decrease in the expression of the CD18 component of MAC1 in N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine‐stimulated neutrophils (P = 0.04). No significant differences were found between either of the two patient groups and the control group for any of the other parameters of neutrophil function tested.Conclusions: These were unexpected findings in the light of data published elsewhere, which indicate impaired neutrophil function in patients with cirrhosis. The study suggests that patients with stable, uncomplicated cirrhosis and patients with EPH have normal neutrophil function.