bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Undetectable phospho‐STAT1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic hepatitis C who do not respond to interferon‐α therapy
Authors: Aceti Antonio , Zechini Barbara , Griggi Tamara , Marangi Massimo , Pasquazzi Caterina , Quaranta Giorgio , Sorice Maurizio 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background: Recent studies have suggested that phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) plays an important role in interferon (IFN)‐mediated biological functions, including antiviral activity. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that suppressors of the cytokine signal 1 (SOCS1) negatively regulates IFN activities.Aims: To investigate the involvement of phospho‐STAT1 in the response to IFN‐α therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to evaluate the negative regulatory effect of SOCS1 on STAT1 activation.Methods: Sixty‐five patients with chronic hepatitis C and 25 healthy subjects were enrolled. Twenty‐five of the patients had never been treated with IFN‐α therapy (naive), while the remaining 40 patients had. The IFN‐treated patients were divided into sustained responders (SRs) or non‐responders (NRs) on the basis of their response to the antiviral therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from each patient and control, and were either stimulated with IFN‐α or left unstimulated. Total STAT1, phospho‐STAT1 and SOCS1 were revealed by means of Western blot.Results: Total STAT1 was equally expressed in unstimulated and stimulated PBMCs from all patients and controls. One hundred percent of the stimulated PBMCs from healthy controls and SRs, 96% from naive subjects, and 30% from NRs showed detectable phospho‐STAT1. By contrast, 70% of the stimulated PBMCs from NRs showed undetectable phospho‐STAT1.Conclusions: We have demonstrated that phospho‐STAT1 proteins in 70% of patients with chronic hepatitis C who do not respond to IFN treatment are undetectable, which suggests that this protein may be involved in the mediation of IFN sensitivity. The down‐regulation of the Jak‐STAT pathway because of SOCS1 expression may be one of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in resistance to IFN.
Contrast‐enhanced gray‐scale harmonic ultrasound in the efficacy assessment of ablation treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Riccardi Laura , Covino Marcello , Barbaro Brunella , Di Stasi Carmine , Orefice Ruggero , Gasbarrini Giovanni , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background. The aim of this study was to compare contrast‐enhanced gray‐scale harmonic ultrasound with multiphasic spiral computed tomography in the assessment of treatment efficacy of non‐surgically treated HCC.Methods. We studied 56 HCCs treated by percutaneous ethanol injection (31 cases), radiofrequency ablation (three cases), trans‐arterial chemoembolization (12 cases), and combined treatment (10 cases). The efficacy of therapies was blindly assessed by multiphasic computed tomography and gray‐scale harmonic ultrasound with a second‐generation contrast agent (sulfur hexafluoride).Results. On computed tomography 30 tumors (53.6%) showed complete necrosis, while 26 lesions (45.4%) were still viable. On contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examination 33/56 nodules (58.9%) had no contrast enhancement in the arterial phase, while 23/56 lesions (41.1%) were still vascularized. All the nodules assessed as completely necrotic on computed tomography did not show arterial enhancement on contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and diagnostic agreement was found in 53/56 cases (94.6%) (P<0.001). Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound demonstrated relative sensitivity and specificity of 87.0% and 98.4%.Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced harmonic ultrasound is promising in the efficacy evaluation of ablation treatments for HCC. Nodules vascularized in the arterial phase on contrast harmonic ultrasound should be considered still viable and addressed to additional treatment without further evaluation.
P‐selectin mediates leukocyte rolling in concanavalin‐A‐induced hepatitis
Authors: March Sandra , Garcia‐Pagán Joan‐Carles , Massaguer Anna , Pizcueta Pilar , Panés Juliàn , Engel Pablo , Bosch Jaume 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Concanavalin‐ A (Con‐A)‐induced hepatitis is an experimental model of human autoimmune hepatitis characterized by leukocyte activation and infiltration of the liver. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of P‐selectin on leukocyte–endothelial interactions within the hepatic microvasculature in response to Con‐A.Methods: The study was performed in P‐selectin‐deficient mice and wild‐type mice pretreated with anti‐P‐selectin blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) or vehicle. After 2 h of Con‐A (20 mg/kg i.v.) or PBS administration, leukocyte rolling and adhesion and the index of sinusoidal perfusion were evaluated using the intravital microscopy technique in the liver. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis of caspase‐3 activity assayed on freshly isolated hepatocytes.Results: Con‐A induced a significant increase in leukocyte rolling, mainly located at the central venule (2.1±0.4 vs 0.6±0.2 cells/min in wild‐type mice treated with vehicle) and less marked, but still significant, in portal venules. This was associated with a significant increase in leukocyte adhesion. In P‐selectin‐deficient mice treated with Con‐A, leukocyte rolling in portal and central venules was markedly reduced. However, leukocyte adhesion was only partially attenuated. A few sinusoids were perfused in wild‐type mice treated with Con‐A (26%). The percentage of perfused sinusoids was significantly higher in P‐selectin‐deficient mice (45%; P<0.05 vs wild‐type). Similar effects were noted after the simultaneous injection of Con‐A and anti‐P‐selecting mAb in wild‐type mice. After Con‐A treatment, apoptosis was markedly reduced in isolated hepatocytes of P‐selectin‐deficent mice (37±7% vs 75±5% in wild type).Conclusion: The results of this intravital microscopy study clearly demonstrate that P‐selectin is involved in the initial leukocyte rolling that leads to the development of Con‐A‐induced liver injury.
Prediction of the ablated area by the spread of microbubbles during radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Shiraga Kunihiro , Uematsu Shuji , Okamoto Ryoichi , Harada Ryo , Takayama Shoko , Kawai Wakako , Kimura Shigeru , Ueki Toru , Okano Nobuaki , Nakagawa Masahiko , Mizuno Motowo , Araki Yasuyuki , Shiratori Yasushi 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/Aim: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To prevent the ablation of adjacent organs and vessels, the spread of microbubbles generated by heating during RFA was observed by ultrasonography (US) and used to predict the ablated area; however, several reports documented that discrepancies existed between the spread of microbubbles and the ablated area.Patients and Methods: The spread of microbubbles during RFA was observed by US in 24 patients with HCC and the areas were compared with the defect of enhancement in contrast enhanced (CE)‐US, using Levovist in the same plane.Results: During the ablation, the posterior margin was obscure but the border could be visualized 5 min after the ablation. The size of the area of hyperechogenicity 5 min after ablation and that of the defect observed by CE‐US was found to correlate (r2=0.91, P<0.0001). The shape of the hyperechogenicity corresponded well to the defect area, even in cases showing irregular spread of the microbubbles.Conclusion: The observation of microbubbles during RFA can predict the ablated area and might be useful to prevent the unfavorable ablation of adjacent organs and vessels.
Study of portal vein thrombosis in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension in Japan
Authors: Matsutani Shoichi , Maruyama Hitoshi , Akiike Taro , Kobayashi Satoshi , Yoshizumi Hiroaki , Okugawa Hidehiro , Fukuzawa Takeshi , Kimura Kunio , Saisho Hiromitsu 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to elucidate the incidence and clinical manifestations of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) in Japan during long‐term follow‐up.Patients and Methods: Twenty‐two patients with IPH were examined for PVT by sonography during a follow‐up of 12±6 years. Clinical manifestations and patient outcome related to PVT were studied. Seventy patients with liver cirrhosis were examined by sonography as an incidence control of thrombosis.Results: Nine IPH patients had portal thrombosis (9/22, 41%), a higher incidence than in liver cirrhosis patients (7/70, 10%). Those with thrombosis showed ascites, marked hypersplenism, and low serum albumin. Four patients with thrombosis died. Patients without thrombosis showed less clinical problems after long‐term follow‐up. Plasma antithrombin III and protein C activity decreased in almost half of the patients. However, there were no differences in these parameters between patients with and without thrombosis.Conclusions: In Japan, IPH patients had a high incidence of portal thrombosis, a significant factor for poor prognosis. Whether the management of PVT contributes to an improvement of a clinical course of IPH or not should be clarified in further study.
Different growth capacity between infant and adult mouse hepatocytes in vitro correlates to the cyclin D1 level without relation to oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Imamura Emi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Miyakoshi Masaaki , Honmo Satoshi , Ozaki Atsuko , Yoshie Masumi , Tamakawa Susumu , Yaginuma Yuji , Kasai Shinichi , Ogawa Katsuhiro 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background: Proliferating capacity of hepatocytes is rapidly decreased during growth into maturity, but its exact reason(s) are not well known.Methods: Hepatocytes isolated from infant (10–14 days old) and adult (10–13 months old) B6C3F1 mice were cultivated in the medium containing epidermal growth factor and insulin. Proliferative capacity, apoptosis, morphological changes, cell cycle proteins and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) were compared between the two hepatocyte populations.Results: Although adult hepatocytes rapidly underwent cellular crisis characterized by extended morphology and multiple nuclei without proliferation, infant hepatocytes could proliferate with less crisis. Cyclin D1 was much more abundant in the infant than adult cells, but there was no difference according to the expression of cdk4, cdk2, cyclin E and cdk inhibitors (p16Ink4 (p16), p21Cip1/Waf1 (p21) and p27Kip1 (p27)). 8‐OHdG became high soon after cultivation, while it rapidly went down after day 2 both in the infant and adult cells.Conclusions: The high growth capacity of infant hepatocytes in vitro was dependent on the cyclin D1 level, but there was no relation to 8‐OHdG.
Seizure Exacerbation by Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: French Jacqueline A. 
Published: September 2005

Worsening of Seizures by Oxcarbazepine in Juvenile Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies Gelisse P, Genton P, Kuate C, Pesenti A, Baldy-Moulinier M, Crespel A Epilepsia 2004;45:1282–1286 Purpose Several studies have shown that carbamazepine (CBZ) may aggravate idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new drug chemically related to CBZ. We report six cases of juvenile IGE with a clear aggravation by OXC. Methods We retrospectively studied all patients with IGE first referred to our epilepsy department between January 2001 and June 2003 and treated with OXC. Results During this period, six patients were identified. All had an aggravation of their epilepsy in both clinical and EEG activities. OXC had been used because of an incorrect diagnosis of focal epilepsy or generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs) of undetermined origin (no syndromic classification of the epilepsy). Before OXC, only one patient had experienced a worsening of seizures with an inadequate drug (carbamazepine; CBZ). Four had juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, one had juvenile absence epilepsy, and one had IGE that could not be classified into a precise syndrome. OXC (dosage range, 300–1,200 mg/day) was used in monotherapy in all of them except for one patient. Aggravation consisted of a clear aggravation of myoclonic jerks (five cases) or de novo myoclonic jerks (one case). Three patients had exacerbation of absence seizures. One patient had worsened dramatically and had absence status, and one had de novo absences after OXC treatment. The effects of OXC on GTCSs were less dramatic, with no worsening in frequency in three and a slight increase in three. Conclusions OXC can be added to the list of antiepileptic drugs that can exacerbate myoclonic and absence seizures in IGE.
Resource Letter MPF-1: Mechanical Properties of Fluids
Authors: Stanley R. C. 
Published: September 2005

Prepared at the request of the AAPT Committee on Resource Letters. This is one of a series of Resource Letters on different topics, intended to guide college physicists to some of the literature and other teaching aids that may help them improve course contents in specified fields of physics. No Resource Letter is meant to be exhaustive and complete; in time there may be more than one letter on some of the main subjects of interest. Comments and suggestions concerning the content and arrangement of letters as well as suggestions for future topics will be welcomed. Please send such communications to Professor Arthur Quinton, Chairman, Resource Letter Committee, Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002.
Notation: The letter E after an item indicates elementary level, useful principally for high school and introductory college use; the letter I indicates intermediate (junior, senior) level; and the letter A indicates advanced material principally suited for senior, graduate level. An asterisk (*) indicates items particularly recommended for introductory study.
Reprints: When ordering, request Resource Letter MPF-1, enclose 50 cents per copy (not in stamps) together with a stamped and self-addressed envelope, to Arnold A. Strassenberg, Executive Officer, American Association of Physics Teachers, Drawer AW, Stony Brook, New York 11790.
Isolated and Combined Tears of the Subscapularis Tendon
Authors: Kreuz Peter C. , Remiger Andreas , Erggelet Christoph , Hinterwimmer Stefan , Niemeyer Philipp , Gächter Andre 
Published: September 2005

Background Isolated and combined subscapularis tendon tears are rare and are described in the literature only in small numbers. Hypothesis The outcome of surgical intervention for isolated and combined subscapularis tendon tears may be influenced by the tear pattern of the anterior rotator cuff and the period of time between trauma and surgical procedure. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between 1994 and 1999, 34 shoulders with isolated traumatic tears (16 shoulders) or subscapularis tendon rupture combined with a supraspinatus tendon tear were treated operatively. The average patient age was 51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 37 months. For statistical analyses, the Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Results In patients with isolated tears, the Constant score rose from an average of 43.9 to 88.7 points (P <. 01), and in patients with combined tears, it rose from an average of 40.6 to 74.7 points (P <. 01). Isolated tears improved 14 points more than combined tears (P <. 05). The delay between trauma and surgical intervention was inversely proportional to the improvement in the Constant score. The Spearman coefficient of correlation was -0.97 in isolated tears and -0.89 in combined tears. Conclusions Young patients with isolated traumatic tears of the subscapularis tendon and immediate repair have the best prognostic factors for treatment. Accuracy in the trauma history and the clinical and radiographic examination is demanded.
The Fate of Host and Graft Cells in Early Healing of Bone Tunnel after Tendon Graft
Authors: Kobayashi Masashi , Watanabe Nobuyoshi , Oshima Yasushi , Kajikawa Yoshiteru , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: September 2005

Background The behavior of host and graft cells during the healing process after autologous tendon graft has not been elucidated. Hypothesis Host cells will integrate into the bone-tendon interface and contribute to cellular repopulation of the graft. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Twelve-week-old, genetically identical, female green fluorescent protein transgenic rats (n = 20) and wild-type rats (n = 20) were used. The rats were divided into 2 experimental groups. In group A, the Achilles tendons of wild-type rats were harvested and transplanted into the transcondylar femoral bone tunnels of green fluorescent protein rats. In group B, the Achilles tendons of green fluorescent protein rats were transplanted into a transcondylar femoral bone tunnel of wild-type rats. Immediately after transplantation (time zero) and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the transplantation, distal femoral epiphyses were harvested and cut into 14-μm serial sagittal frozen sections. The sections were examined with a confocal laser-scanning microscope to quantify green fluorescent protein-positive cell survival. Results At time zero, only host cells in group A and only graft cells in group B demonstrated green fluorescent protein signals. At 1 week in group A, many green fluorescent protein-positive cells were found in the graft. In group B, a few green fluorescent protein-positive cells were found in the graft. At 2 and 4 weeks in group A, many green fluorescent protein-positive cells were detected in the graft, but green fluorescent protein-positive cells had disappeared completely in group B. Conclusion Host cells, rather than graft cells, contribute to repair of the bone-tendon interface and the remodeling of grafts after simulated autologous tendon graft.
Versatile and declarative dynamic programming using pair algebras
Authors: Steffen Peter , Giegerich Robert 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Background
Dynamic programming is a widely used programming technique in bioinformatics. In sharp contrast to the simplicity of textbook examples, implementing a dynamic programming algorithm for a novel and non-trivial application is a tedious and error prone task. The algebraic dynamic programming approach seeks to alleviate this situation by clearly separating the dynamic programming recurrences and scoring schemes.

Results
Based on this programming style, we introduce a generic product operation of scoring schemes. This leads to a remarkable variety of applications, allowing us to achieve optimizations under multiple objective functions, alternative solutions and backtracing, holistic search space analysis, ambiguity checking, and more, without additional programming effort. We demonstrate the method on several applications for RNA secondary structure prediction.

Conclusion
The product operation as introduced here adds a significant amount of flexibility to dynamic programming. It provides a versatile testbed for the development of new algorithmic ideas, which can immediately be put to practice.
Rapid single nucleotide polymorphism mapping in C. elegans
Authors: Davis M Wayne , Hammarlund Marc , Harrach Tracey , Hullett Patrick , Olsen Shawn , Jorgensen Erik M 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackgroundInC. elegans, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can function as silent genetic markers, with applications ranging from classical two- and three-factor mapping to measuring recombination across whole chromosomes.ResultsHere, we describe a set of 48 primer pairs that flank SNPs evenly spaced across theC. elegansgenome and that work under identical PCR conditions. Each SNP in this set alters aDraI site, enabling rapid and parallel scoring. We describe a procedure using these reagents to quickly and reliably map mutations. We show that these techniques correctly map a known gene,dpy-5. We then use these techniques to map mutations in an uncharacterized strain, and show that its behavioral phenotype can be simultaneously mapped to three loci.ConclusionTogether, the reagents and methods described represent a significant advance in the accurate, rapid and inexpensive mapping of genes inC. elegans.
Attenuated Expression of DFFB is a Hallmark of Oligodendrogliomas with 1p-Allelic Loss
Authors: McDonald J Matthew , Dunmire Valerie , Taylor Ellen , Sawaya Raymond , Bruner Janet , Fuller Gregory N , Aldape Kenneth , Zhang Wei 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAllelic loss of chromosome 1p is frequently observed in oligodendroglioma. We screened 177 oligodendroglial tumors for 1p deletions and found 6 tumors with localized 1p36 deletions. Several apoptosis regulation genes have been mapped to this region, includingTumor Protein 73 (p73),DNA Fragmentation Factor subunits alpha(DFFA) andbeta(DFFB), andTumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Members 9and25(TNFRSF9, TNFRSF25). We compared expression levels of these 5 genes in pairs of 1p-loss and 1p-intact tumors using quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (QRTPCR) to test if 1p deletions had an effect on expression. Only theDFFBgene demonstrated decreased expression in all tumor pairs tested. Mutational analysis did not revealDFFBmutations in 12 tested samples. However, it is possible thatDFFBhaploinsufficiency from 1p allelic loss is a contributing factor in oligodendroglioma development.
Possibility of selection against mtDNA mutations in tumors
Authors: Khaidakov M , Reis RJ Shmookler 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Several studies of tumors have revealed substantial numbers of clonally expanded somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), not observed in adjacent intact tissues. These findings were interpreted as indicating the involvement of mtDNA mutations in tumorigenesis. Such comparisons, however, ignore an important confounding factor: the monoclonal origin of tumors as opposed to the highly polyclonal nature of normal tissues. Analysis of recently published data on the incidence of somatic mutations in nontumor monoclonal cells suggests that, contrary to the prevailing view, the process of tumorigenesis may be accompanied by active selection against detrimental mtDNA mutations.
Comparison of the effects of three different (-)-hydroxycitric acid preparations on food intake in rats
Authors: Louter-van de Haar Johanna , Wielinga Peter Y , Scheurink Anton JW , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Studies on the effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in humans are controversial. As differences in the HCA preparations may contribute to this apparent discrepancy, the aim of the current study is to compare different HCA-containing preparations in adult Wistar rats.

Design
The effects of 3 different HCA-containing preparations (Regulator, Citrin K, Super CitriMax HCA-600-SXS, all used at an effective HCA dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg, administered intragastrically) on food intake and body weight were studied in adult male Wistar rats. The efficacy was tested under 2 different experimental conditions: 1) after a single dose administration and 2) during repeated administration for 4 subsequent days.

Results
Regulator and Citrin K significantly reduced food intake in both experimental setups, while Super CitriMax HCA-600-SXS was less effective. When administered for 4 subsequent days Regulator and Citrin K diminished body weight gain.

Conclusion
Regulator and Citrin K were shown to be potent inhibitors of food intake in rats, whereas Super CitriMax HCA-600-SXS showed only small and more inconsistent effects. The striking differences in efficacy between these 3 preparations indicate that low doses of a relatively low-effective HCA preparation may have contributed to the lack of efficacy as found in several human studies.