bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION ON INFLAMMATION PATTERN OF GASTRITIS AMONG FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPTIC PATIENTS
Authors: Rani Abdul Aziz , Abdullah Murdani 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe presence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is closely related with inflammation of gastric mucosa associated with functional dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease. While the correlation between Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer is accepted worldwide, the role of Hp in functional dyspepsia is still a debatable issue.AimsTo describe the histological features and to determine if there are significant differences on the level of severity and activity of these histological findings compare to the gross endoscopic findings.MethodsThe histopathologic characteristic of gastric biopsy specimens taken from antrum and stained with Giemsa and Hematoxiline‐Eosin stain were investigated among 237 patients (M=122, F=115) diagnosed as dyspepsia. Grade and activity of gastritis was examined according to the Sydney System (chronic inflammation, neutrophilic infiltration, intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy). The presence of Hp was determined by histology. All the patients were from the private hospital in Jakarta.ResultClinical and histological data of 237 patients with dyspepsia was analyzed. Average age was 44.14 years (SD 13.69), male 51.5% (122/237), and female 48.5 % (115/237). One hundred and forty four (60.8%) patients with dyspepsia were Hp positive on histology and were significantly older than Hp negatives (46.77 +13.99 and 40.07+12.19). Peptic ulcer was diagnosed for 3.8 % (9/237) and being excluded. The density of Hp in the antrum and corpus were mild 56.5%/5.1%, moderate 3.8%/0.0%, and severe 0.4%/0.0%, consecutively. There were significant different in density of Hp infection in both sites. The present of Hp has a good correlation with the severity and activity of chronic inflammation, neutrophilic infiltration, intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy in the antrum and corpus as well (p<0.05).ConclusionThe present of Hp has a good correlation with the severity and activity of chronic inflammation, neutrophilic infiltration, intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy in the antrum and corpus as well.
Burkitt’s lymphoma associated with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Shannon Catherine , Vickers Chris , Field Andrew , Ward Robyn 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe association between Helicobacter pylori infection and low grade mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is now widely accepted. In this report, we describe the concurrent development of Burkitt’s lymphoma in the stomach of a 53‐year‐old male with perforated duodenal ulcer and positive H. pylori serology. The temporal relationship between these two events raises the possibility of a causal link between H. pylori infection and this lymphoproliferative disease. In describing this rare case of gastric Burkitt’s lymphoma, we consider the evidence that supports this possibility.
Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus and its prevention
Authors: Shiraki Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn order to prevent liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in later life, it is essential to prevent HBV infection in infants. If the mother is chronically infected with HBV and is also positive for HBeAg, 80–90% of the newborns become chronically infected, whereas if the mother is positive for anti‐HBe, only some newborns will develop acute hepatitis or fulminant hepatitis. It is necessary to screen pregnant women for HBsAg and prevent mother‐to‐infant infection of HBV, treating the infant with hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin at birth, followed by HBV vaccination. In highly endemic areas of HBV, universal HBV vaccination of all newborns is advisable.
Interferon monotherapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Guan Richard 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInterferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) has been the only approved agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in most countries, but this is rapidly changing. It is expensive, associated with frequent and unpleasant side effects, has limited efficacy and is ineffective in subjects with no/mild liver necro‐inflammation. Loss of HBsAg and viral replication markers occur 6% and 20%, more often in IFN‐treated subjects than controls. The most important factors that will predict favourable response to IFN‐α therapy are elevated ALT and low serum HBV DNA levels. Chinese patients and children with active liver have similar response rates as Caucasian adults with equivalent ALT levels. Patients with HBeAg negative disease fare less well. Long‐term follow up has shown that most IFN responders maintained their response although very few people have complete eradication of HBV.
Transmission of hepatitis C virus in Asia: past and present perspectives
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng , Chen Ding‐Shinn 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem. The epidemiology of HCV infection in different parts of Asia is similar, with an average seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody (anti‐HCV) less than 2.5% in healthy adults. The infection is rarely seen in children. The major routes of HCV transmission in Asia during the past few decades have been through administration of therapeutic blood products and injecting drug use, similar to the pattern observed in other parts of the world. However, obvious parenteral routes of transmission only account for 30–60% of anti‐HCV‐positive cases, depending on the geographic area. Other inapparent parenteral or per‐mucosal exposures, including medical intervention, tattooing, acupuncture, vertical and sexual transmission, accidental needlestick and household contact, are also possible routes of HCV transmission. Although screening of blood donors for anti‐HCV and improvements in infection control have significantly decreased the exposure to HCV, it is believed that HCV is still spreading in some areas of Asia because of the lack of routine screening of donated blood, injecting drug usage, traditional medicine practices or medical treatment under suboptimal hygienic conditions that involve blood contamination, and tattooing. Accordingly, until effective and safe immunoprophylaxis is available, interruption of transmission routes, such as implementation of blood donor screening for anti‐HCV, adequate sterilization of surgical instruments or the use of disposable medical instruments, especially needles and syringes, and avoidance of sharing personal grooming aids remains the mainstay to prevent HCV infection in Asia today.
Long‐term effects of interferon therapy on histology and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C
Authors: Omata Masao , Shiratori Yasushi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractChronic hepatitis C is a common disease that slowly progresses to cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histology offers an important insight into disease prognosis and treatment response. Biochemical and virological responses to interferon (IFN) therapy are associated with an improvement in liver histology during and shortly after treatment, but the impact of treatment on the history of a slowly progressive disease cannot be ascertained by evaluating results at the completion of treatment. Some recent studies showed that the severity of hepatic inflammation may be a major factor driving progression of chronic hepatitis C to cirrhosis, and that improving hepatic inflammation may be associated with regression or retardation of fibrosis, especially in patients with virological sustained response. Many recent studies have shown an inhibition of the development of decompensation and HCC after IFN therapy, but a randomized controlled study using a large number of subjects with a more than 5‐year observation period will be required to elucidate the exact role of antiviral therapy for the delay of decompensation or suppression of HCC.
Role of heat shock proteins in gastric mucosal protection
Authors: Rokutan Kazuhito 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHeat shock proteins (HSP) are crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis during normal cell growth and for survival during and after various cellular stresses. Gastric surface mucous cells are the first line of defence against insults derived from ingested foods and Helicobacter pylori infection. Primary cultures of gastric surface mucous cells from guinea‐pig fundic glands exhibited a typical heat shock response after exposure to elevated temperature or metabolic insults, such as ethanol and hydrogen peroxide, and they were able to acquire resistance to these stressors. Restraint and water immersion stress rapidly activated heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in rat gastric mucosa within 15 min and induced HSP70 mRNA expression and its protein accumulation. The extent of the induction inversely correlated with the severity of mucosal lesions, suggesting an important role of HSP70 in gastric mucosal defence. This heat shock response appeared to be mediated by the α1A‐adrenoceptor. The HSP70 family functions as a molecular chaperone and reduces stress‐induced denaturation and aggregation of intracellular proteins. In addition to its chaperoning activities, HSP70 has been suggested to exert its cytoprotective action by protecting mitochondria and by interfering with the stress‐induced apoptotic programme. Recently, we introduced geranylgeranylacetone as a non‐toxic HSP70 inducer. This compound weakly stimulated HSP70 induction in cultured gastric mucosal cells and gastric mucosa by directly activating HSF1 and markedly augmented HSP70 induction in response to subsequent exposure to stress. Thus, non‐toxic HSP70 inducers may have a potential benefit for the prevention and treatment of stress ulcer.
Analysis of K‐ras codon 12 mutations and p53 overexpression in colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumors
Authors: Kusaka Toshihiro , Fukui Hirokazu , Ueda Yoshihiko , Chiba Tsutomu , Fujimori Takahiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background and Aims: Morphologically, colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumors are quite different from polypoid‐type colorectal tumors that develop via the adenoma–carcinoma sequence. Although polypoid‐type colorectal tumors are well known to have a high incidence of K‐ras gene mutation and p53 overexpression, colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumors have not been examined in terms of genetic changes and clinicopathological features. In the present study, therefore, we analysed the clinicopathological features, genetic changes in K‐ras codon 12, and p53 overexpression in colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumors.Methods: A total of 18 colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumors were surgically resected and then analysed clinicopathologically. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction–single stranded conformational polymorphism were performed to analyse p53 abnormalities in the tumors. K‐ras codon 12 mutations were screened out by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method and analysed by fluorescence direct sequencing.Results: p53 overexpression was observed in six lesions (33%). p53‐overexpressing cells were observed in parts of carcinoma or adenoma showing high‐grade atypia. Four of the 10 (40%) samples had a p53 gene mutation. Nine of the 18 (50%) samples had a K‐ras codon 12 point mutation. In eight cases (89%), the mutations of the K‐ras codon 12 were of the same type: GGT (glycine) to GTT (valine).Conclusions: The colorectal nodule‐aggregating tumor has distinctive characteristics showing a morphological phenotype of the superficial‐type tumors and genotype of the polypoid tumors in terms of K‐ras gene mutation and p53 overexpression.
Adult coeliac disease: Prevalence and clinical significance
Authors: Cook H Bramwell , Burt Michael J , Collett Judith A , Whitehead Martin R , Frampton Christopher Ma , Chapman Bruce A 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aims
: Although coeliac disease is a common condition, the role of population screening is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of coeliac disease in the adult population of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Methods
: A total of 1064 adults randomly selected from the 1996 Christchurch electoral rolls were enlisted. The subjects were screened for coeliac disease using the anti‐endomysial antibody test (EMA), and all those with positive tests were reviewed and underwent a small bowel biopsy.
Results
: Twelve of the 1064 persons tested (1.1%) were EMA positive and all had small bowel biopsy histology consistent with coeliac disease. Two of the 12 subjects were previously known to be EMA positive although neither had a small bowel biopsy. One additional subject with known and treated coeliac disease was also enrolled but was EMA negative. Thus, the overall prevalence of coeliac disease was 13 of 1064 subjects (1.2%, or 1 : 82), 10 of whom were newly diagnosed (0.9%, or 1 : 106) and three were previously known or suspected to have coeliac disease (0.3%, or 1 : 355). The prevalence in both sexes was similar. Nine of the 12 EMA‐positive coeliac disease subjects identified by the use of screening reported symptoms, of which tiredness and lethargy were the most common. The subjects were of normal stature, although females tended to be lean. None of the subjects were anaemic, but four were iron deficient and four folate deficient. Five of the 12 had sustained bone fractures. Bone mineral density was reduced in males but not in females.
Conclusions
: The prevalence of coeliac disease in the adult population of Christchurch, New Zealand, is 1.2%. Unrecognized coeliac disease which was detected by population screening was three‐fold more common than proven or suspected coeliac disease. Population screening may identify subjects who could benefit from treatment.
Evaluation of miniature manometric techniques for the measurement of esophageal body pressure waves
Authors: Shanmuganathan Ganes , Ritz Marc A , Holloway Richard H , Matteo Addolorata C Di , Omari Taher I 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and AimsPerfused miniature manometric assemblies with lumina of 0.4–0.5 mm i.d. have been developed. Reduced luminal size offers the advantages of reduced assembly bulk and increased assembly complexity with greater numbers of lumina and lower manometric infusion volumes because of a slower perfusion rate. This study investigated the recording fidelity of miniature manometric assemblies in the measurement of esophageal peristalsis.MethodsFour miniature manometric assemblies, each containing manometric lumina of either 0.4 or 0.5 mm i.d., were evaluated at 100 and 180 cm lengths. The fidelity of miniature manometric luminal recordings were evaluated in vivo during esophageal peristalsis by using a simultaneous comparison with the standard lumina and an intraluminal strain gauge.ResultsDuring esophageal peristalsis, miniature manometric lumina recorded the peak amplitude of pressure waves, with an accuracy at perfusion rates of 0.04 mL/min (0.4 mm, i.d) and 0.15 mL/min (0.5 mm, i.d.).ConclusionMiniature manometric assemblies of lengths that are practical for use in humans are suitable for recording esophageal peristalsis.
A meta‐analysis of peritoneal lavage for acute pancreatitis
Authors: Platell Cameron , Cooper Debora , Hall John C 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:It has been postulated that continuous irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with crystalloid solutions in patients with acute pancreatitis can improve mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study is to perform a meta‐analysis of available randomized prospective clinical trials, to evaluate whether lavage influences mortality and morbidity in patients with acute pancreatitis.Methods:We performed a computer search of Medline for all available literature on the use of lavage in patients with acute pancreatitis. A meta‐analysis was conducted on eight randomized, prospective, clinical trials (a total of 333 patients) evaluating continuous peritoneal lavage in patients with acute pancreatitis. The end‐points were mortality and morbidity (i.e. pancreatic necrosis, peripancreatic fluid collections, intra‐abdominal abscess formation, septicemia, organ system failure).Results:Continuous lavage did not improve either mortality (weighted mean difference 1.6%, 95% CI –6.7% to 9.9%, not significant (n.s.)) or morbidity (weighted mean difference 6.2%, 95% CI –3.2% to 15.6%, n.s.) when compared with control patients.Conclusions:The use of continuous peritoneal lavage in patients with acute pancreatitis has not been found to be associated with any significant improvement in mortality or morbidity.
Ligation of the Fas antigen stimulates chemokine secretion in pancreatic cancer cell line PANC‐11
Authors: Shimada Mitsue , Andoh Akira , Araki Yoshio , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Bamba Tadao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim: The role of chemokines in the process of immune cell infiltration into pancreatic cancer tissue has been reported. In this study, we investigated the induction of chemokines (interleukin (IL)‐8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1) by Fas antigen (Ag)‐stimulation in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC‐1.Methods: The chemokine secretion was evaluated by using an ELISA and a northern blot, and the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) was assessed by using an electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA).Results: The Fas antigen (Ag) stimulation clearly induced an increase in IL‐8 and MCP‐1 secretion in PANC‐1 cells. This effect was also observed at the mRNA level. The induction of chemokine secretion by Fas Ag stimulation required de novo gene expression and protein synthesis. The pretreatment with interferon (IFN)‐γ markedly enhanced the effects of Fas Ag stimulation; IFN‐γ pretreatment and Fas Ag stimulation synergistically induced not only apoptosis but also IL‐8 and MCP‐1 secretion. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that IFN‐γ significantly enhanced Fas Ag expression. In addition, Fas Ag stimulation actually evoked NF‐κB activation in this cell line.Conclusion: Our results indicate that Fas Ag stimulation can induce chemokine secretion in PANC‐1 cells, suggesting the contribution of Fas stimulation to the accumulation of immune cells in pancreatic cancer tissue.
Fatigue and psychological disorders in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: MCDONALD JENNIFER , JAYASURIYA ROHAN , BINDLEY PATRICIA , GONSALVEZ CRAIG , GLUSESKA SONJA 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and AimMost patients with chronic hepatitis C report that they suffer from fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine if the symptom of fatigue can be a guide to indicate disease activity in chronic hepatitis C, or if it is related to psychological factors.Methods115 chronic hepatitis C patients attending a liver clinic at Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, Australia, were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the functional impact of their fatigue, and a questionnaire on psychological parameters. These were correlated with a history of intravenous drug use, alcohol history, transaminase levels and liver biopsy findings.ResultsFatigue weakly correlated with the level of fibrosis on the liver biopsy, but strongly correlated with all the psychological domains of depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity and hostility.ConclusionThe level of fatigue strongly correlated with all the psychological domains, particularly depression, and not with our measures of disease activity.
Xanthine oxidase‐derived oxygen radicals play significant roles in the development of chronic pancreatitis in WBN/Kob rats
Authors: ZEKI SHIGEYUKI , MIURA SOICHIRO , SUZUKI HIDEKAZU , WATANABE NAOYUKI , ADACHI MASAYUKI , YOKOYAMA HIROKAZU , HORIE YOSHINORI , SAITO HIDETSUGU , KATO SHINZO , ISHII HIROMASA 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background:
Although oxygen‐derived free radicals are known to play a role in cell injury and DNA alterations, the role of active oxidants in chronic pancreatitis has not been fully elucidated. Using WBN/Kob rats, which spontaneously develop chronic pancreatitis‐like lesions, we investigated whether xanthine oxidase (XOD)‐derived oxygen radicals are involved in pancreatic tissue injury.
Methods:
WBN/Kob rats were fed a control or a tungsten diet. The latter depletes XOD activity. Histologic al changes, glutathione (GSH) content and XOD and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in pancreatic tissue. Pancreatic 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG) levels and lithostathine mRNA were also examined.
Results:
In WBN/Kob rats, parenchymal destruction and fibrosis developed at approximately 12 weeks of age and progressed with each month. The activity of XOD was significantly higher in the early period (8–12 weeks), whereas the levels of GSH and SOD decreased after 16 weeks. Levels of 8‐OH‐dG in WBN/Kob rats were significantly elevated at 16 weeks. Lithostathine mRNA levels started to increase at 8 weeks, but were suppressed at 16 weeks. The tungsten diet significantly attenuated the histological changes in WBN/Kob rats. The increase in pancreatic XOD activity and 8‐OH‐dG content in WBN/Kob rats was significantly inhibited by the tungsten diet and lithostathine mRNA levels remained high at 16 weeks.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that oxygen radicals generated by XOD play an important role in oxidative DNA damage and the development of chronic pancreatic injury.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Management of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liaw Yun‐Fan 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Better understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and the natural history and immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B, together with the introduction of effective agents with different mechanisms of action, is the basis for better therapeutic strategies against chronic hepatitis B. Substantial experience has now been accumulated in the use of some of these drugs, and an Asia–Pacific Consensus has been reached on indications for their use. The goals of therapy and aspects of general management will be reviewed here. Among currently available drugs, α‐interferon therapy gives a response rate (hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion) of 30–40% compared with 10–20% in matched controls, but patients with lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), higher HBV‐DNA, and immunosuppressed patients have a poorer response, and α‐interferon can be dangerous in cirrhosis. Meta‐analysis of four controlled trials also suggests that thymosin‐α1 is effective, but more studies are needed. Lamivudine has been most extensively studied. It is effective in terms of HBV‐DNA loss, ALT normalization, HBeAg seroconversion, and improvement in histology, as well as being well tolerated. After 1 year of treatment, HBeAg seroconversion rate increased with higher pretherapy ALT levels, suggesting that patients with stronger endogenous antiviral defenses to kill hepatocytes haboring covalently closed circular DNA have a better response to direct antiviral effects. Lamivudine is also beneficial in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B, and patients with decompensated cirrhosis and HBV replication. However, genotypic‐resistant tyrosine‐methionine‐aspartate‐aspartate (YMDD) mutations start to emerge after 9–10 months of lamivudine therapy, and their incidence increases more quickly than the HBeAg seroconversion rate durating prolonged therapy. Thus the benefits of long‐term lamivudine must be balanced against concern about YMDD mutations, and the durability of treatment response. There are encouraging preliminary results for adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, emtricitabine, clevudine and other nucleoside/nucleotide analogs in the early stages of appraisal; entecavir and adefovir dipivoxil appear effective in patients with YMDD mutants. Further development of new drugs and new strategies, such as combination or sequential therapy, may help to better achieve the goals of treatment for chronic hepatitis B in the new century.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd