Dar‐In Tai, Sun‐Lung Tsai, Young‐Mao Chen, Yen‐Ling Chuang, Cheng‐Yuan Peng, I‐Shyan Sheen, Chau‐Ting Yeh, Kenneth S. Chang, Shao‐Nan Huang, George C. Kuo, Yun‐Fan Liaw – 30 December 2003 – The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is a multifunctional protein. It may bind to the death domain of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and to the cytoplasmic tail of lymphotoxin‐β receptor, implying that it may be involved in the apoptosis and anti‐apoptosis signaling pathways. In vitro studies have been inconclusive regarding its ability to inhibit or enhance TNF‐α–induced apoptosis.

Carlos Hermenegildo, Pilar Monfort, Vicente Felipo – 30 December 2003 – Ammonia is considered the main agent responsible for the neurological alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. It was suggested that ammonia toxicity is mediated by activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The aim of this work was to assess, by in vivo brain microdialysis in freely moving rats, whether acute ammonia intoxication leads to activation of NMDA receptors in the cerebellum of the rat in vivo.

30 December 2003

J Neuberger, H Tang – 30 December 2003

R G Lee – 30 December 2003

T K Li – 30 December 2003

Z Ben‐Ari, D Shmueli, Z Shapira, E Mor, R Tur‐Kaspa – 30 December 2003 – Reinfection with hepatitis B virus after orthotopic liver transplantation is nearly universal in patients who have not received posttransplant immunoprophylaxis. Recurrence almost invariably leads to chronic liver disease. Interferon has been used both prophylactically and therapeutically but has not been effective.

A D Min, E O Atillasoy, M E Schwartz, M Thiim, C M Miller, H C Bodenheimer – 30 December 2003 – Hepatic venous outflow obstruction caused by hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) is a manifestation of a hypercoagulable state, most commonly a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). In the past, HVT was thought to have a poor prognosis unless treated surgically with portosystemic shunt or orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of this study was to assess whether early diagnosis of the underlying hematologic disorder and institution of appropriate medical therapy have altered outcome.

B R Davidson, M L Barnard, K K Changani, S D Taylor‐Robinson – 30 December 2003 – Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows the noninvasive measurement of whole organ metabolism due to the presence of the MR‐ sensitive nucleus phosphorus 31 in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), its precursors, and break‐down products. In small animal liver transplant studies it has been used to analyze the metabolic effects of cold and warm ischemia, hypothermic reperfusion, and the relative efficacy of different organ preservation solutions.

R R Kemper, J E Menitove, D W Hanto – 30 December 2003 – Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) procedures are performed annually, which require the administration of large volumes of blood products. Thus liver transplantation can significantly strain local and regional blood resources at a time when transfusion practices are changing dramatically, in large part because of anxiety caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.