bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of acute and long‐term oral tobacco use on oesophageal motility1
Authors: Bhandarkar Prashant V , Shah Saumil K , Meshram Megha , Abraham Philip , Narayanan Ts , Bhatia Shobna J 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Nicotine administration is known to decrease lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure. Although a few studies have assessed the effect of tobacco on the LOS, the effect of acute and long‐term oral tobacco use on oesophageal motility is not known. The study was designed to investigate the effect of acute and long‐term oral tobacco use on LOS and distal oesophageal motility.
Methods
: Thirty‐six healthy men (aged 18–65 years, median 34 years; 18 oral tobacco users, 18 non‐tobacco users) underwent oesophageal manometry using a water‐perfusion system. After baseline manometry, tobacco users were asked to keep 0.5 g tobacco in their mouth for 10 min; non‐users of tobacco were kept in quiet surroundings for a similar period. Manometry was then repeated.
Results
: The LOS basal pressures were similar in tobacco users and non‐tobacco users (mean ± SD 15.4 ± 6.3 vs 13.4 ± 5.3 mmHg). In the distal oesophageal body, the velocity (4.4 ± 3.1 vs 4.9 ± 2.6 cm/s), amplitude (92.7 ± 38.3 vs 84.8 ± 33.2 mmHg) and duration of contraction (2.1 ± 0.7 vs 1.7 ± 0.9 s) were similar in tobacco users and non‐users. Acute tobacco use did not affect these parameters. The numbers of abnormal waves (triple peaks and non‐transmitted contractions) were also similar in the two groups.
Conclusion
: Oral tobacco use does not appear to affect LOS pressures and distal oesophageal motility acutely or in the long term.
Frequency and significance of antibodies to chromatin in autoimmune hepatitis type I
Authors: Li, Lu , Nishioka, Mikio , Huang, Dong Yang , Nishioka Mikio 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aims and Methods: To assess the frequency and clinical significance of antibodies to chromatin (ACA) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 36 Japanese patients with AIH type I were studied for serum reactivity with chromatin by using an ELISA.Results: Antibodies to chromatin were detected in 19 of 36 patients with AIH type I. There was a significantly higher frequency of ACA in patients with AIH type I than in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and B (52.8 vs 13.2, 5.4 and 6.7%, respectively; P < 0.01). None of the 19 healthy subjects had positive reactions. Sixteen of 19 patients with seropositive sera (44.4%) had reactivities with other nuclear antigens (recombinant nucleoproteins U1RNP‐A, U1RNP‐70; recombinant ribonucleoprotein complexes SSA/Ro 52K, SSA/Ro 60K; recombinant centromere Cenp‐B; dsDNA and histones). Adsorption with double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) and histones could not remove the majority of antichromatin reactivity as 81.9% of the antibody reactivity still remained. In five sera samples from AIH type I patients positive for anti‐dsDNA and antihistones, the antibody activities for dsDNA and histones were inhibited after the absorbtion of sera with chromatin. The patterns of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detected by using indirect immunofluorescence were similar between patients with and without ACA. Patients with ACA had significantly high serum levels of gamma‐globulin and immunoglobulin G. The ACA titers dropped significantly after corticosteroid treatment (P < 0.01).Conclusions: Antibodies to chromatin are frequently present in patients with AIH type I and they are one of the dominant autoantibodies associated with ANA reactivity in AIH type I. Antibodies to chromatin cannot be used to characterize distinct clinical subgroups of AIH type I.
Long‐term evaluation of extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy for cholesterol gallstones
Authors: Tsumita Reiko , Sugiura Nobuyuki , Abe Asami , Ebara Masaaki , Saisho Hiromitsu , Tsuchiya Yukihiro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a treatment that preserves the gallbladder. Problems after ESWL treatment include stone recurrence and the development of biliary symptoms.Methods: Two hundred and sixty‐two patients with cholesterol‐type gallstones, the best indication for ESWL treatment, and 42 control patients with cholesterol‐type gallstones who received no treatment entered this study. We evaluated the factors associated with recurrence of gallstones after stone clearance and the development of biliary symptoms after ESWL treatment.Results: The 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year cumulative probabilities of gallstone recurrence were 20.6, 27.1 and 33.1%, respectively, with the recurrence probability significantly lower in patients with good gallbladder contractility. In patients with recurrence, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment was effective. In 69 patients with residual gallstones, the 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year cumulative risks of biliary symptoms were 17.3, 24.9 and 30.5%, respectively. With residual gallstones, the risk of biliary symptoms developing was significantly lower in patients with a ≤ 3 mm fragment size at the end of ESWL treatment and in those treated consistently with UDCA for 6 months or more after treatment with ESWL. The risk of biliary symptoms was significantly lower in ESWL‐treated patients with residual stones who had a ≤ 3 mm fragment size after treatment compared to those of control patients.Conclusions: Ursodeoxycholic acid was effective in clearing stones in patients with gallstone recurrence. In patients with residual stones, the fragmentation of stones to ≤ 3 mm and UDCA administration effectively reduced the risk of subsequent biliary symptoms.
Aging increases, and duodenal ulcer reduces the risk for intestinal metaplasia of the gastric corpus in Japanese patients with dyspepsia
Authors: Tsukui Taku , Kashiwagi Ryoichi , Sakane Masayoshi , Tabata Fumihira , Akamatsu Tomonori , Wada Ken , Futagami Seiji , Miyake Kazumasa , Sueoka Nobuo , Hirakawa Tsunehisa , Kobayashi Masafumi , Fujimori Takahiro , Sakamoto Choitsu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background and Aims: The classification of gastritis by using the revised Sydney system suggests that there are two types of Helicobacter pylori‐related gastritis. The aim of the present study was to examine the risk factors that might be involved in the presence of either atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia of the gastric corpus of Japanese patients.Methods: Biopsy samples were obtained from the gastric corpus in 154 patients with dyspepsia, and the degree of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia was determined histologically. The correlation between several variables and presence of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia was evaluated by using multivariate analysis.Results: Among the 11 variables, which included age, peptic ulcer diseases and H. pylori infection, H. pylori infection was the major risk factor associated with the presence of atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia of the gastric corpus. In contrast, duodenal ulcer (DU) disease reduced the risk of contracting both conditions. Age was an independent risk factor only for intestinal metaplasia of the gastric corpus. When 128 H. pylori‐positive subjects were analyzed, DU and age were similarly associated with the presence of both conditions.Conclusions: These results suggest that DU reduces the risk for contracting atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, and age is an independent risk factor for intestinal metaplasia of the gastric corpus in dyspeptic Japanese patients.
Small intestinal mucosal pattern of Myanmar children
Authors: Aye Win‐Myat , Htwe Than‐Than , Khin Myo , Hla S‐Kyaw , Myint Thein‐Thein , Bolin Terry D 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:Little is known about the small intestinal mucosal pattern of Myanmar children.Methods:Duodenal, jejunal and ileal mucosal specimens obtained from children within 6 h of death were examined under a dissecting microscope with the objective of determining villus pattern in relation to site within the small intestine and then correlated with age.Results:Abnormalities in the small intestinal mucosa were detected at a very young age. In children under 1 year of age, the changes are more marked proximally and become less marked distally, perhaps reflecting exposure to the causative agent(s) in early life. Presumably these agents are ingested orally and inactivated progressively. The pattern in older children reflects more severe changes in the ileum.Conclusions:It is postulated that frequent intestinal infections or small bowel bacterial contamination could lead to damage of the intestinal mucosa.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Korea1
Authors: Byun Kwan Soo , Kim Jong Hun , Song Ki‐Joon , Baek Luck Ju , Song Jin‐Won , Park Sang Hoon , Kwon Oh Sang , Yeon Jong Eun , Kim Jae Seon , Bak Young Tae , Lee Chang Hong 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The prevalence of antibodies for hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) in adolescents and young adults has decreased remarkably following the economic growth in Korea. As a result, this age group has a high risk for HAV infection paradoxically, and over 1500 cases of clinically overt hepatitis A occurred in 1998. Human isolates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) are categorized within four genotypes (I, II, III, and VII). In some geographic regions, closely related isolates cluster, suggesting endemic spread of the virus, while in other regions multiple genotypes circulate. Virtually no data are available with regard to the genetic relatedness of Korean strains of HAV.Methods and Results: A 168 base pair segment encompassing the putative VP1/2A junction of the HAV genome was amplified by RT‐PCR and sequenced in sera of 18 Korean patients with a sporadic form of acute hepatitis A. Pairwise comparisons of the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of 18 Korean isolates with one another revealed that the Korean isolates showed > 94.6% and > 96.4% identity, respectively. All of the 18 Korean isolates clustered within genotype IA, irrespective of the geographic locations and the time that hepatitis occurred. Unique amino acid sequence changes that had never been reported in genotype IA were found in nine of the 18 isolates. These changes were Gln→Ser and Lys→Arg in 2A‐19 and 2A‐10 amino acid positions.Conclusion: The presence of single genotype and unique mutations may be related with the circulation of endemic HAV over a long period of time in Korea.
Epinephrine irrigation for the prevention of pancreatic damage after endoscopic balloon sphincteroplasty
Authors: Ohashi Akira , Tamada Kiichi , Tomiyama Takeshi , Wada Shinichi , Higashizawa Toshihiko , Gotoh Yasuhiko , Satoh Yukihiro , Miyata Takamitsu , Tano Shigeo , Ido Kenichi , Sugano Kentaro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: Endoscopic balloon sphincteroplasty (EBS) is an alternative to sphincterotomy for the treatment of bile duct stones. The purpose of this study was to determine if epinephrine irrigation of the papilla can prevent the pancreatic damage associated with EBS.Methods: A total of 173 patients with bile duct stones were treated by EBS. After conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, EBS was performed by using a biliary dilatation catheter (balloon diameter: 8 mm). The duct was then cleared by using Dormia baskets or retrieval balloon catheters. Mechanical lithotripsy was performed before extraction when the stones were greater than 8 mm in diameter. In 81 patients, the dilated orifice was irrigated with 40–120 mL (50 ± 37 mL) of 1:1 000 000 epinephrine (epinephrine group). In the remaining 92 patients, epinephrine irrigation was not performed (control group). Acute pancreatitis was defined by a serum amylase concentration fivefold greater than the upper limits of normal in association with abdominal pain.Results: After EBS, serum amylase concentrations were significantly increased in both groups. However, the degree of hyperamylasemia was less in the epinephrine group than in the control group (617 ± 611 vs 1037 ± 1491 IU/L, P < 0.05). The incidence of pancreatitis was lower in the epinephrine group than in the control group (1.2 vs 7.6%, P < 0.05).Conclusions: Epinephrine irrigation is a simple and useful method to prevent post‐EBS pancreatic damage and pancreatitis.
Role of UGT1A1 mutation in fasting hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Ishihara Tomoaki , Kaito Masahiko , Takeuchi Keisuke , Gabazza Esteban C , Tanaka Yuji , Higuchi Kunihiro , Ikoma Jiro , Watanabe Shozo , Sato Hiroshi , Adachi Yukihiko 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:Low‐grade fasting hyperbilirubinemia is a common observation in healthy subjects (HS), whereas high‐grade fasting hyperbilirubinemia is believed to be a characteristic finding of Gilbert’s syndrome. This study was undertaken to assess the role of mutation in bilirubin UDP‐ glycosyltransferase gene (UGT1A1) on fasting hyperbilirubinemia.Methods:Analysis of UGT1A1 and a caloric restriction test (400 kcal for 24 h) were performed in 56 healthy subjects (25 males, 31 females), and 28 patients with Gilbert’s syndrome (18 males, 10 females). There were 29 healthy subjects with no mutation in UGT1A1, and 27 healthy subjects and 26 Gilbert’s syndrome patients with mutations in the coding and/or promoter (TATA box) regions of UGT1A1.Results:The mean increment of serum bilirubin (ΔSB) was 9.6 μmol/L (males) and 4.1 μmol/L (females) in subjects with no UGT1A1 mutation. Subjects with mutation in UGT1A1 showed higher levels of ΔSB than individuals without mutation. Among healthy subjects, gender difference in ΔSB values was observed only in individuals with the wild type of UGT1A1, but not in those with mutations in this gene.Conclusion:The results of the present study suggest that UGT1A1 mutation has a role in the development of high‐grade fasting hyperbilirubinemia after caloric restriction.
Evaluation of intestinal mucosal function by measuring expired 14CO2 after oral administration of 14C‐putrescine
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Bamba Tadao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Diamine oxidase (DAO) is the enzyme that degrades putrescine, the key main product of polyamine metabolism, and reflects enterocytic maturity of absorption because diamine oxidase activity is highest in the small intestine. We have already shown that expired 14CO2 after oral administration of 14C‐putrescine correlated with intestinal DAO activity. However, the influence of food composition and the mucosal adaptation after intestinal resection have not been elucidated.Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed normal chow or an elemental diet (ED) for 2 weeks. Resected rats underwent 50% jejunectomy or 50% ilectomy. Expired 14CO2 levels, following oral administration of 14C‐putrescine were measured in all rats, and compared with the intestinal DAO activity and other mucosal parameters.Results: In the ED group, the 14CO2 levels reached a peak earlier, and values were 2.9‐fold higher than in the group fed with normal chow. Mucosal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and DAO activity in the ED group were also higher than in the group fed normal chow, although the mucosal wet weight was significantly lower in the ED group. In the resection groups, all expired 14CO2 values increased during measurement. The peak 14CO2 values in the jejunectomy group shifted earlier in the postoperative period. The mucosal DAO activity in both the resection groups was higher than it was in the control group at the fifth and 10th postoperative day. However, there were no differences among the three groups at the 15th postoperative day.Conclusions: Our studies suggested that expired 14CO2 after oral administration of 14C‐putrescine correlates with mucosal DAO activity, and that it also reflects intestinal function.
Anti‐oxidant ebselen causes the resolution of experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis in rats
Authors: Wasser Shanthi , Lim Ganymede Y , Ong Choon‐Nam , Tan Carolyn E L 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:Hepatic fibrosis occurs because of injury to the liver parenchyma and biliary system. We have investigated the effect of an organic selenium anti‐oxidant, ebselen, in the resolution of experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis, and evaluated its effect on various paradigms involved in hepatic fibrosis.Methods:Following pretreatment with phenobarbitone, liver fibrosis was induced in male Fischer 344 rats by using carbon tetrachloride treatment for 10 weeks. Carbon tetrachloride‐treated rats were randomly assigned into two groups: (i) no ebselen; and (ii) ebselen administered for 3 weeks following a 10‐week carbon tetrachloride treatment period. Normal controls were: (i) neither carbon tetrachloride nor ebselen treated; or (ii) ebselen treated for 13 weeks. Liver sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome and stained for reticulin by using silver impregnation. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the steady‐state levels of gene(s) involved in: (i) hepatic fibrosis, namely, transforming growth factor‐β1, procollagen I and III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐13; (ii) oxidative stress, namely, cytochrome P4502E1; and (iii) preneoplastic liver foci, namely, the placental form of glutathione‐S‐transferase.Results:Histological staining showed that ebselen resolves carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis. Treatment with ebselen reduced steady‐state levels of transforming growth factor‐β1, procollagen I and III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, cytochrome P4502E1 and placental form glutathione‐S‐transferase transcripts, and increased transcripts of matrix metalloproteinase‐13.Conclusion:These findings provide evidence that ebselen significantly causes the resolution of carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.
Role of the spleen in liver fibrosis in rats may be mediated by transforming growth factor β‐1
Authors: AKAHOSHI TOMOHIKO , HASHIZUME MAKOTO , TANOUE KAZUO , SHIMABUKURO RINSHYUN , GOTOH NORIKAZU , TOMIKAWA MORIMASA , SUGIMACHI KEIZO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The effect of the spleen on the cirrhotic liver is unknown.  Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), which plays a crucial role in the matrix production during liver fibrosis, is an inhibitory factor regarding the regeneration of hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated the TGF‐β1 production in the spleen of cirrhotic rats and the effects of a splenectomy on the healing process from liver fibrosis.Methods: Thirty‐six Wister male rats were used. Thioacetamide (TAA) was administered intraperitoneally for 24 weeks. The rats underwent either a sham operation (TAA + Sham) or a splenectomy (TAA + SPL). The improvements in liver fibrosis and liver regeneration were investigated 10, 30 and 60 days after the operations in each group. The effect of a splenectomy on the plasma concentration of TGF‐β1 in the portal vein was investigated by ELISA. The TGF‐β1 expressions in the spleen were measured using immunohistochemical staining and the degree of such expression was measured using RT‐PCR. The activity of TGF‐β1 in the portal vein of TAA + Sham and TAA + SPL was assessed by the inhibiting effect of rat parenchymal hepatocyte proliferation in primary culture.Results: Liver regeneration (PCNA‐labeling index) in the TAA + SPL rats was stimulated more

at 10 and 30 days after the operation (P < 0.05) than in the TAA + Sham

rats, and the improvement of liver fibrosis (fibrosis rate) in the TAA + SPL rats

was higher at 60 days (P < 0.05) than in the TAA + Sham rats. The plasma concentration of TGF‐β1 of the portal vein in TAA + SPL rats was significantly lower than in the TAA + Sham rats for each period. Immunohistochemically, TGF‐β1‐positive stained cells were recognized in the spleen macrophages in the red pulp of cirrhotic rats. The plasma of the TAA + Sham rats at 10 and 30 days after the operation was significantly stronger than that of the TAA + SPL rats in inhibiting the proliferation of rat hepatocytes of primary culture. Inhibitory effects were then dose‐dependently neutralized by monoclonal TGF‐β1 antibody.Conclusion: Spleen‐derived TGF‐β1 may thus play an inhibitory role in the healing of liver cirrhosis by inhibiting the regeneration of the damaged liver.
Helicobacter pylori infection promotes gastric carcinogenesis in a mice model
Authors: HAN SANG‐UK , KIM YOUNG‐BAE , JOO HEE‐JAE , HAHM KI‐BAIK , LEE WON‐HEUNG , CHO YONG‐KWAN , KIM DAE‐YONG , KIM MYUNG‐WOOK 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:Debate that Helicobacter pylori might play a causative role in gastric carcinogenesis still exists in spite of the World
Health Organization’s definition of H. pylori as a class I carcinogen.
In order to define the exact role of H. pylori infection in gastric carcinogenesis,
we established a mice model of H. pylori infection.Methods:One hundred and forty‐four female C57BL/6 mice were divided into nine groups according to N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) treatment
and H. pylori infection. All mice were killed at the 50th or 80th week after treatment, and their histopathological changes were evaluated according to group.Results:The incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma at the 50th week was 80% in mice treated with both MNU 240 μg/L and H. pylori infection,
whereas the incidence was only 27% in mice treated with only MNU 240 μg/L.
Although H. pylori caused marked expansion of the proliferative zone at the
surface epithelium, H. pylori infection alone caused only chronic atrophic
gastritis without any evidence of carcinomas until 80 weeks. The combination of MNU
and H. pylori infection also resulted in a significantly higher incidence
of gastric adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Significantly higher expressions of proliferating
cell nuclear antigen were noted in the gastric mucosa infected with H. pylori compared to controls.Conclusions:These results clearly demonstrated the role of H. pylori infection, rather than direct carcinogens, in promoting gastric carcinogenesis in a mice model.© 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer in India
Authors: SINGH VIRENDRA , TRIKHA BANDANA , NAIN CHANDER KANWAL , SINGH KARTAR , VAIPHEI KIM 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThere is a wide variation in the prevalence of peptic ulcer in India both before and since the use of endoscopy. We studied the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease in a community in northern India and its relationship with Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsA house‐to‐house survey of residents aged 15 years or above in a sub‐sector of Chandigarh was performed as part of a pilot survey. Subsequently, the study randomly covered all sectors of Chandigarh and we screened 2649 persons. A questionnaire was administered to each subject by trained staff. All individuals with history of peptic ulcer/dyspepsia and an equal number of asymptomatic individuals were asked to attend the outpatient department of the Institute. Diagnosis of peptic ulcer was based on endoscopy or history of previous ulcer surgery.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty‐four individuals attended the outpatient department at the Institute and 147 underwent endoscopy, biopsy for histology and rapid urease test, and blood was collected for H. pylori serology. There were 80 symptomatic and 67 asymptomatic individuals. Helicobacter pylori was positive in 38 (56.7%) asymptomatic and 49 (61.3%) symptomatic individuals (P > 0.05). The point prevalence of active peptic ulcer was 3.4% and the lifetime prevalence was 8.8%. The duodenal‐to‐gastric ulcer ratio was 12:1. Helicobacter pylori was present in 11/13 (84.6%) subjects with peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer was more common in elderly and dyspeptic individuals and there was no effect of sex or socioeconomic status. Helicobacter pylori was associated with age only and did not depend on sex, socioeconomic status or dyspepsia. Of the 38 asymptomatic persons having H. pylori infection, none had active peptic ulcer.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates frequent occurrence of peptic ulcer and H. pylori in this part of the country. Peptic ulcer was more prevalent in the elderly and dyspeptic subjects. Helicobacter pylori was not associated with dyspepsia, and was more prevalent in elderly subjects. There was a low prevalence of peptic ulcer in asymptomatic H. pylori‐infected persons in this community.