Development of microsatellite markers for the completely cleistogamous species Gastrodia takeshimensis (Orchidaceae) that are transferable to its chasmogamous sister G. nipponica.

We developed microsatellite markers to compare the genetic variation between the putatively cleistogamous Gastrodia takeshimensis (Orchidaceae) and its chasmogamous sister species G. nipponica. We expected low genetic variation in G.

Influences of CYP2C19 polymorphism on recurrence of reflux esophagitis during proton pump inhibitor maintenance therapy.

Background/aims: Patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have rapid recurrence after treatment withdrawal. The aim is to study the influences of CYP2C19 polymorphism on recurrence of GERD during proton pump inhibitor maintenance therapy.

Methodology: Ninety-nine patients with initial healing of GERD (judged by endoscopy) after 8 wk of treatment with PPIs were enrolled into maintenance therapy for 6 mo with rabeprazole (10 mg/day), omeprazole (20 mg/day) or lansoprazole (15 mg/day).

Changes in the Th1/Th2 ratio during a 24-week course of an interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background And Aim: It has been reported that immunological factors, such as the T-helper cell (Th)1/Th2 ratio, play a part in the mechanisms for the antihepatitis C virus (HCV) effect of the interferon (IFN) alpha-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy. By using flow cytometry, we examined this ratio during a 24-week course of combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: We recruited 21 patients with chronic hepatitis C (16 males, five females, genotype 1b, 17 patients; genotype 2a or 2b, four patients) who had been treated by combination therapy.

Acquired factor V inhibitor responsive to corticosteroids in a patient with double cancers.

A 70-year-old woman suffering from HCV-related liver cirrhosis was admitted for abnormal bleeding. Laboratory findings included PT at 46.6 sec, APTT at >212 sec, factor V activity of <3%, and factor V inhibitor of 2 BU.

Treatment effects and predictors of a 24-week course of interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background And Aims: In chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 1b and a high viral load, the sustained virological response (SVR) rate remained as low as 2-3% with conventional interferon (IFN) monotherapy, but improved to more than 20% with IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy. This study examined the therapeutic effects and predictors of this combination therapy.

Methods: Subjects were 105 patients with chronic hepatitis C (73 males, 32 females) with a median age of 53 years (range 19-70 years).