bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus genotypes and clinical manifestation among hepatitis B carriers in Thailand
Authors: SUGAUCHI FUMINAKA , CHUTAPUTTI ANUCHIT , ORITO ETSURO , KATO HIDEAKI , SUZUKI SEIJI , UEDA RYUZO , MIZOKAMI MASASHI 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes have distinct geographic distributions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of HBV genotypes and their clinical relevance in Thailand.Methods: Hepatitis B virus genotypes among 107 hepatitis B carriers residing in Thailand were evaluated using serologic and genetic methods. They were clinically classified into asymptomatic carriers with normal serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and patients with chronic liver disease, such as those with chronic hepatitis (CH), liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Results: Hepatitis B virus genotype distribution among the 107 patients was 25.2% for genotype B, 72.0% for genotype C and 2.8% for genotype D. The serum ALT levels, HBV‐DNA and hepatitis B e antigen positivity were significantly higher in carriers infected with genotype C HBV than in those infected with genotype B (P < 0.05). The proportion of genotype B HBV was higher in asymptomatic carriers than in patients with CH and those who developed liver disease, such as LC and HCC (45.5, 16.9 and 25.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, the proportion of genotype C HBV was higher in patients who developed liver disease and CH than in asymptomatic carriers (68.7, 83.0 and 50.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis based on entire genome sequences revealed three HBV isolates, which were classified into a subgroup of genotype C in isolates from South‐East Asian countries.Conclusions: Genotypes B and C are the predominant types among hepatitis B carriers residing in Thailand and those genotypes influence the clinical manifestation in carriers with chronic hepatitis B infection.
Role of hepatitis C virus in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: Transgenic approach to viral hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Koike Kazuhiko , Moriya Kyoji , Kimura Satoshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Overwhelming lines of epidemiologic evidence have indicated that chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a major risk towards the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It remains controversial whether HCV plays a direct role in the pathogenesis of HCV‐associated HCC or whether it merely serves an indirect role. Using the transgenic mouse model established by us, it has become evident that the core protein of HCV confers oncogenic potential. The findings in our studies indicate that HCV is directly involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, albeit other factors, such as continued cell death and regeneration associated with chronic hepatitis, may also play a role. Taken together, our results indicate that there could be a mechanism for the development of HCC in persistent hepatitis virus infection that is distinct from the pathogenesis of other cancers, like colorectal cancer. Thus, although accumulation of a set of genetic aberrations may also be necessary for a multistage development of HCC, HCV core protein, to which an oncogenic potential is ascribed, may allow some stages to be skipped in hepatocarcinogenesis. The possibility that infection with HCV may be capable of inducing HCC in the absence of a complete set of genetic aberrations would help explain the unusually high incidence and multicentric nature of HCC developing in chronic hepatitis C.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Effect of colestimide on absorption of unconjugated bile acids in the rat jejunum
Authors: ONISHI TOSHIKI , SANO NAOYO , TAKIKAWA HAJIME 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Colestimide is a newly developed bile acid‐binding resin in Japan, but its bile acid‐binding properties have not been studied.Methods: The absorption of unconjugated bile acids (5 mmol/L) in the ligated rat jejunum was compared in the presence and absence of colestimide. Furthermore, bile acid adsorption by colestimide was also studied in vitro.Results: All bile acids were efficiently absorbed in the jejunum and the cumulative absorption during 120 min was 29–63%. The absorption of chenodeoxycholate, lithocholate, deoxycholate and ursodeoxycholate was dose‐dependently inhibited by 2.5 and 5 mg colestimide, whereas the absorption of cholate was not inhibited, even in the presence of 5 mg colestimide. Adsorption of bile acids by colestimide in vitro was approximately 60% for chenodeoxycholate, lithocholate, deoxycholate and ursodeoxycholate, whereas the adsorption of cholate was low (16%).Conclusions: Jejunal absorption of ursodeoxycholate was inhibited by colestimide to a similar extent as other dihydroxy bile acids, whereas that of cholate was not inhibited under the same conditions.
Expression of scavenger receptor class B type I in gallbladder columnar epithelium
Authors: JOHNSON MAGNUS SC , SVENSSON PER‐ARNE , BORÉN JAN , BILLIG HÅKAN , CARLSSON LENA MS , CARLSSON BJÖRN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe lipid content of bile may be modified by the gallbladder epithelium. Recent studies indicate that cholesterol can be absorbed from bile and that this can be enhanced by apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I. SR‐BI is a multifunctional receptor capable of binding a wide array of native or modified lipoproteins, phospholipid or bile acid micelles. As apo A‐I is a ligand for scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) we have characterized the expression of this receptor in murine gallbladder.MethodsReverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to study SR‐BI expression in murine gallbladders. SR‐BI expression was also used to examine gallbladders from high‐fat‐fed wild‐type and apo B‐100 transgenic mice.ResultsSR‐BI and SR‐BII mRNA are expressed in gallbladder. SR‐BI immunoreactivity was localized to the columnar epithelium of the gallbladder. Immunoreactive SR‐BI in gallbladder had an estimated molecular weight of 57 kDa, in contrast to the expected 82 kDa. Deglycosylation experiments indicated that the size difference between the two forms of the receptor is due to post‐translational modification. Fat feeding of apo B transgenic mice resulted in gallstone formation but had no effect on the abundance of SR‐BI.ConclusionsGallbladder epithelial cells express SR‐BI. This opens the possibility that SR‐BI may influence the modification of bile in the gallbladder.
Hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: MOREAU RICHARD 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of end‐stage cirrhosis. Type 1 HRS is an acute functional renal failure (i.e. glomerular hypofiltration) with no other explanation than the presence of the circulatory and neurohumoral alterations associated with severe chronic liver disease. Plasma volume expansion does not improve renal function. In contrast, administration of the vasopressin analog terlipressin, a splanchnic and systemic vasoconstrictor, may improve renal function and be used while awaiting liver transplantation.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Low Helicobacter pylori eradication rates with 4‐ and 7‐day regimens in an Iranian population
Authors: MALEKZADEH REZA , MERAT SHAHIN , DERAKHSHAN MOHAMMAD‐HASSAN , SIAVOSHI FARIDEH , YAZDANBOD ABBAS , MIKAELI JAVAD , SOTOUDEMANESH RASOUL , SOTOUDEH MASOUD , FARAHVASH MOHAMMAD‐JAFAR , NASSERI‐MOGHADDAM SIAVOSH , POURSHAMS AKRAM , DOLATSHAHI SHAHAB , ABEDI BEHNOOSH , BABAEI MASOUD , ARSHI SHAHNAM , MAJIDPOUR ALI 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: In Iran, there is insufficient information on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens shorter than 10 days. This study aims at assessing the efficacy of 4‐ and 7‐day H. pylori eradication regimens in a high‐incidence area of gastric cancer in Iran.Methods: Subjects with an endoscopic diagnosis of gastritis, positive urease test, and a histological diagnosis of chronic gastritis were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: AOC7 (1000 mg amoxicillin, 20 mg omeprazole, and 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 7 days), FOT4 (200 mg furazolidone, 20 mg omeprazole, and 500 mg tetracycline twice daily for 4 days) and FOT7 (the same treatment as the FOT4 group but for 7 days). Sensitivity to these antibiotics was determined in all isolates recovered from culture. The efficacy of eradication was assessed 8 weeks after the end‐of‐treatment by the 14C‐urea breath test.Results: One hundred and twenty‐eight patients were enrolled in the study. Culture was positive for 84 patients and none of these were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline or furazolidone, 1.2% were resistant to clarithromycin and 32.1% to metronidazole. Forty‐five, 41 and 42 patients were randomly allocated to the AOC7, FOT4, and FOT7 groups, respectively. The intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 35.5, 17.1, and 23.8% for the AOC7, FOT4, and FOT7 groups, respectively.Conclusion: Treatment regimens of 4 or 7 days are unacceptable for H. pylori infection in Iran, even in the presence of a favorable sensitivity profile.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B ‘x’ transgenic mouse model: A sequential pathological evaluation
Authors: LAKHTAKIA RITU , KUMAR VIJAY , REDDI HONEY , MATHUR MEERA , DATTAGUPTA SIDDHARTHA , PANDA SUBRAT KUMAR 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The introduction of transgenic technology has made it possible to study the steps of carcinogenesis and directly establish the link between viral subgenomic fragments and specific types of cancer. Research directed at hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related carcinogenesis has benefited from this technology. We present a detailed pathological evaluation of the sequential steps of hepatocarcinogenesis in a hepatitis B ‘x’ (HBx) transgenic mouse model. In this model, the transgene incorporates the region encoding amino acids 58–154 of the HBV X protein and the murine c‐myc gene. This model demonstrated changes in the liver from birth with foci of multicentric dysplasia evolving into nodules and overt hepatocellular carcinoma between 20 and 28 weeks.Methods and Results: The hepatocytes were mitotically active and showed increased proliferative capacity soon after birth, with exponential increase thereafter. This was accompanied by a high rate of apoptosis, which later declined as the tumors developed. Other functional and immunophenotypic characteristics included a high c‐myc expression in the neoplastic lesions, no alteration in p53 expression, and no alteration in the expression of hepatic enzymes except for diffuse expression of succinic dehydrogenase.Conclusion: The entire process illustrates the disturbances of cell growth and death because of the collaborative influence of HBx and c‐myc genes that result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma after a prolonged latent period.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Sialyl Lewis X analog attenuates gastric microcirculatory disturbance and gastric mucosal erosion induced by thermal injury in rats
Authors: ISHIKAWA HIDEKI , YOSHIDA MASASHI , WAKABAYASHI GO , NAKAMURA MASAHIKO , SHIMAZU MOTOHIDE , KITAJIMA MASAKI 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: We hypothesize that selectins, which are adhesion molecules, are involved in the pathogenesis of stress‐induced gastropathy. We therefore investigated whether the novel Sialyl Lewis X (SLex) analog, which is a clinically available antagonist of selectins, attenuate gastric mucosal lesions induced by thermal injury.Methods: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized and a 30% full‐skin thickness dorsal burn was inflicted on each rat. The SLex analog was administrated into the jugular vein 30 min before and 2.5 h after the thermal injury. Saline was administered to the vehicle group. The distribution of E‐selectin immunoreactivity on the luminal side of the gastric mucosal microvascular network was observed by immunohistochemical methods. Active oxygen species were measured by the chemiluminescence method. Rolling leukocytes and endothelial damage, investigated by using Monastral Blue B (MBB), of the gastric mucosal microvascular network were observed through an intravital microscope.Results: A high intensity of E‐selectin fluorescence was observed on the luminal surface of the venular endothelial cells 5 h after thermal injury in the vehicle group. However, E‐selectin‐associated fluorescence was almost negligible in the non‐injury group and in the SLex analog group. The SLex analog also attenuated the rolling of leukocytes in the venules, venular deposits of MBB, luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence activities, and gastric mucosal lesion formation.Conclusion: It is suggested that the selectin family is involved in gastric microcirculatory disturbance and the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions after thermal injury. A novel preventive therapy using the SLex analog is considered to effectively protect both gastric microcirculation and the gastric mucosa in rats with thermal injury.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Beneficial effects of terlipressin in hepatorenal syndrome: A prospective, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: SOLANKI PRASHANT , CHAWLA ATUL , GARG RAMESH , GUPTA RAJIV , JAIN MONIKA , SARIN SHIV K 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) occurs in about 18% of cirrhotic patients with ascites and is characterized by intense renal vasoconstriction, low glomerular filtration rate and preserved tubular function and normal renal histology. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of terlipressin on renal function, systemic hemodynamics and clinical outcome in patients with HRS.Methods:  The study was a randomized controlled single‐blind trial. We randomly assigned 24 consecutive patients with HRS to treatment with terlipressin 1 mg i.v. at 12‐h intervals (group A; n = 12) or placebo at 12‐h intervals (group B; n = 12). The end‐point of the study was improvement in renal functions defined as reversal of HRS and survival at 15 days.Results:  The two groups were comparable at baseline. After treatment with terlipressin, urine output significantly (P < 0.05) increased progressively in group A (day 4, 960 ± 40 mL/24 h; day 8, 1068 ± 56 mL/24 h) compared with group B (day 4, 451 ± 40 mL/24 h; day 8, 291 ± 45 mL/24 h). Creatinine clearance improved (P < 0.05) in group A (day 4, 20.2 ± 2.1 mL/min; day 8, 35 ± 2.8 mL/min) compared with group B (day 4, 11.3 ± 1.3 mL/min; day 8, 9.3 ± 1.7 mL/min). Serum creatinine decreased in group A but not in group B (day 8, 1.6 ± 0.01 compared with 3.9 ± 0.26, P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure increased significantly (P < 0.05) in group A. Terlipressin administration was associated with transient self‐limiting side‐effects including crampy abdominal pain in two patients and cardiac arrhythmias in three patients. Five of the 12 patients survived in group A compared with none in group B at day 15 (P < 0.05) and all survivors had reversal of HRS.Conclusion:  In patients with HRS, terlipressin significantly improved renal functions and systemic hemodynamics, and showed a trend towards better clinical outcome. The drug merits further evaluation with different dosages and longer schedules.
Enhancement of aquaporin‐3 by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in a human colonic epithelial cell line
Authors: ITOH AKIHIKO , TSUJIKAWA TOMOYUKI , FUJIYAMA YOSHIHIDE , BAMBA TADAO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) plays an important role in water transport in the intestine. Several specialized channels termed aquaporins (AQP) facilitate water transport in the gastrointestinal tract. Aquaporin‐3 localizes to epithelial cells in the human small intestine and colon. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the functions of AQP3 remain unclear. To characterize the regulation of AQP3 expression by VIP, we studied messenger (m)RNA expression, protein expression and DNA binding activity in a human colonic epithelial cell line, HT‐29.Method:  Human colonic epithelial cells, HT‐29, were incubated with VIP (10−12−10−7 M). The cells were treated with protein kinase‐A (PK‐A) inhibitors (H‐89, H‐9) or chloride channel‐blockers (diphenylamine‐2‐carboxylate (DPC), 5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPD)). The expression of AQP3 mRNA and protein was determined by Northern blot and Western blot, respectively. The DNA‐binding activities of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response elements/activating transcription factor (CRE/ATF)) in the nuclear extract were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results:  Aquaporin‐3 mRNA was up‐regulated at a concentration of 10–10 M VIP. The expression of AQP3 protein was enhanced at 3 h after addition of VIP. The PK‐A inhibitors (H‐89, H‐9) inhibited the expression of AQP3 mRNA enhanced by VIP and cAMP. The gel shift assay of CRE/ATF in HT‐29 cells revealed a single band.Conclusion:  These results indicate that VIP upregulated the expression of AQP3 mRNA and protein, and that a cAMP‐dependent pathway mediated this effect in a human colonic epithelial cell line, HT‐29.
An aetiological profile of short stature in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: ZARGAR AH , LAWAY BA , MASOODI SR , WANI AI , SALAHUDDIN M 
Published: March 2003

Objective:To determine the aetiological causes of short stature in a developing region of the world.Methodology:A retrospective analysis was made of data from 193 subjects who were primarily evaluated for short stature in the Endocrinology Department, Institute of Medical Sciences, Kashmir, India. These subjects had a height of more than 3 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for their age and sex, and were seen over a decade (January 1987 to December 1996). A logical and comprehensive clinical and investigative protocol was followed to identify the aetiology of short stature.Results:Growth hormone deficiency was the commonest identifiable cause of short stature and accounted for 22.8% of cases. Thirty‐six subjects (18.7%) had a normal variant short stature. Renal tubular acidosis was diagnosed in 10.4%, primary hypothyroidism, malnutrition and hypothalamic syndrome in 7.8% each, and growth hormone insensitivity syndrome in 4.1% cases.Conclusions:We conclude that, in addition to growth hormone deficiency and normal variant short stature, distal renal tubular acidosis and growth hormone insensitivity syndrome are significant causes of short stature in India.
Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in women at delivery using unlinked anonymous testing of newborns in the Malaysian setting
Authors: Amar HSS , Ho JJ , Mohan AJ 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine the community prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women at the time of delivery in a Malaysian setting. Methodology: Cord blood samples from a pilot screening programme for congenital hypothyroidism in 1995 at Ipoh city and surrounding district hospitals were screened anonymously for HIV 1 and 2. HIV status was determined using chemiluminescent technology. Positive samples were retested using the Genelavia Mixt assay. Results: A total of 4927 samples were tested. The ethnic breakdown included 51.7% Malays, 18.9% Chinese, 14.3% Indian, 2.3% Others and 12.9% unknown. The geographical distribution of samples was 73.9% urban, 24.2% rural and 1.9% unknown. The seroprevalence of HIV positivity was 3.25 per 1000 deliveries (95% CI: 1.92–5.16). Seroprevalence was higher for samples from rural and Malay mothers. Conclusion: The high seroprevalence in this study suggests that the spread of HIV is far wider than that anticipated by mandatory national reporting. It also supports antenatal screening and the use of antiretroviral therapy as an important strategy to reduce perinatal transmission.
Clinical versus polysomnographic profiles in children with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Masters IB , Harvey JM , Wales PD , O'Callaghan MJ , Harris MA 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To examine the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) profiles of neurologically normal and abnormal children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and explore the relationship between these profiles. Methodology: We enrolled 56 children with persistent snoring and OSA for the study, 16 of whom were neurologically abnormal. All children were examined clinically and attended an overnight PSG study. Total clinical scores, PSG scores, and mild/moderate or severe ratings were derived for each child. Results: Comparison of individual PSG parameters with neurological status demonstrated that the abnormal children had significantly increased obstructive apnoea indices, increased desaturation events and lower mean arousal indices compared to their neurologically normal OSA peers. For the neurologically abnormal children, there was a significant correlation between severity ratings of disease according to clinical and PSG profiles (r = 0.56, P = 0.03, sensitivity 82%) using the clinical summary as the gold standard, although the association was less marked in the neurologically normal children (r = – 0.08, P = NS, sensitivity 69%). Conclusion: Neurologically abnormal children are likely to have more severe abnormalities in selected polysomnographic indices and overall scores. However, the clinical assessment is only likely to reflect this at the severe end of the spectrum. These relationships are not seen in the neurologically normal child, where little or no reliance can be placed upon predicting the severity of the polysomnographic findings from the clinical data. Decisions regarding the severity of disease and treatment should be based on the combined findings of the clinical and PSG data rather than overall clinical and polysomnographic scores or selected clinical and polysomnographic parameters.