34 How MCP-1 modulates oxidative stress pathways or reduces antio

34 How MCP-1 modulates oxidative stress pathways or reduces antioxidants Smoothened inhibitor will be investigated in the future. Similar up-regulation of microsomal CYP2E135 in alcohol-fed WT and MCP-1KO mice indicate the induction of oxidative stress independent of alcohol-metabolizing CYP2E1. Besides cellular mechanisms, such as TLR expression, oxidative stress contributes to LPS sensitization in ALD and enhancement of pro inflammatory cytokine gene expression.36, 37 An in vivo LPS challenge given at the end of chronic alcohol feeding led to an augmentation of proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 in WT mice, and this was prevented in MCP-1KO mice. Our results suggest that MCP-1 deficiency

inhibits oxidative stress and also impedes sensitization to LPS, independent of TLR4 expression, during alcoholic

liver injury. Studies to unravel the mechanisms of LPS sensitization affected click here by MCP-1 during chronic alcohol exposure will be examined in the future. Among the various mechanistic studies for alcoholic steatosis, alterations in transcription factors, such as PPARα and PPARγ, controlling lipid metabolism have been recognized.24 Previous studies showed that alcohol feeding in rats decreased PPARα activation and downstream target genes important in fatty acid oxidation.19 Here, we show that alcohol-fed MCP-1KO mice exhibit increased PPARα and PPARγ mRNA expression, enhanced nuclear PPARα and PPARγ, PPRE activation in whole liver and isolated hepatocytes, presence

of PPARα/RXRα in the DNA-binding complex, and induction of target genes, such as CPT-1 and ACOX—both enzymes critical in fatty acid oxidation. Previous studies have shown that a secretory product of adipose tissue, likely MCP-1, can induce lipid accumulation in hepatoyctes.13 Our in vitro findings demonstrate that recombinant MCP-1 down-regulates PPARα mRNA expression and DNA-binding activity in hepatocytes, likely contributing to increased triglyceride accumulation in ALD. These results suggest a direct effect of MCP-1 on PPARα and medchemexpress its target genes and thus steatosis. MCP-1 mediates its action via receptor CCR238 or independent of CCR2.39 Our results show that CCR2KO mice induce alcoholic liver injury similar to alcohol-fed WT mice, indicating CCR2-independent effects of MCP-1. Furthermore, because hepatocytes do not express CCR2,18 as reported here (Supporting Fig. 5A), we predict that MCP-1 mediates its effects in the liver independent of CCR2. Another lipid-modulating transcription factor with anti-inflammatory properties, PPARγ, was up-regulated in alcohol-fed MCP-1KO livers. It is likely that PPARγ inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production in chronic alcohol-exposed MCP-1KO mice. Our results here show that MCP-1 expression is directly up-regulated in hepatocytes during chronic alcohol exposure and likely regulates fatty acid oxidation, resulting in steatosis.

The needle core sample

The needle core sample this website showed markedly distended sinusoids filled with hematopoietic elements without an increase in blasts (Fig. 1B).

Extracted DNA from the liver showed a heterozygous JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) point mutation (Fig. 1C). These findings are diagnostic of involvement by the patient’s known JAK2-positive myeloproliferative neoplasm rather than compensatory EMH or infiltration by blasts. The increased hepatic blood flow resulted in high-output heart failure with a cardiac index of 6.4 L/minute/m2 (normal is <4.2 L/minute/m2) and significant cardiomegaly (Fig. 1A) without evidence of pulmonary hypertension.1 The shortness of breath improved under diuretic and inotropic management but respiration was still limited by anatomic constraints imposed by the hepatomegaly.

The case demonstrates the remarkable sequelae of long-standing PV driven by 3 decades of constitutive cellular proliferation associated with activation of signaling downstream of the erythropoietin/thrombopoietin receptor (Val617Phe [V617F]-mediated loss of Jak homology 2 pseudokinase [JH2]-autoinhibition in JAK2). Liver enlargement to this extent is uncommon in myeloproliferative diseases and progressed markedly following her splenectomy. The liver findings after splenectomy also reflect the end stage of a hematopoietic shift from the biopsy-proven fibrotic medullary cavity to the liver, where Obeticholic Acid the presence of the JAK2 mutation provides molecular evidence of a similar shift of the myeloproliferative clone to this site of embryonic hematopoiesis. Thereby, the findings combine components of existing theories of EMH discussed in the context of PV2 and myelofibrosis.3 Although a confirmatory bone marrow biopsy to demonstrate the requisite bone marrow fibrosis was not performed at the time of liver biopsy,

based on the leukoerythroblastic blood smear, this disease is medchemexpress best classified as post-polycythemic myelofibrosis and the high numbers of circulating blasts over the last 8 years (up to 28%) formally meet diagnostic criteria of blast phase.4 However, the stable clinical course over almost a decade suggests that circulating JAK2-positive blasts may not necessarily be a poor prognostic indicator in PV.5 Given the stability of disease and absence of infiltration of the liver by blasts, the high number of circulating blasts may not represent acute leukemic transformation, but rather progenitor cell trafficking at their new site of hematopoiesis.6 “
“In European populations, Budd-Chiari syndrome is almost always caused by thromboses in the hepatic veins. However, in Asian populations, membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava is an important cause and can account for up to 40% of cases. The pathogenesis of membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava is still debated. Some authors favor a congenital origin for the lesion as cases have been described in childhood.

Materials and Methods: Standard titanium abutments were scanned b

Materials and Methods: Standard titanium abutments were scanned by means of a 3D digital laser scanner. One hundred and sixty standard metal copings were designed by a Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system with two cement gap values (20 and 40 μm). The copings Pritelivir in vitro were cemented to the abutments using the following eight cements with one being the control, zinc oxide temporary cement, while the other seven were specifically formulated implant cements (n = 10): Premier Implant Cement, ImProv, Multilink Implant,

EsTemp Implant, Cem-Implant, ImplaTemp, MIS Crown Set, and TempBond NE. The specimens were placed in 100% humidity for 24 hours, and subjected to a pull-out test using a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. The test results were analyzed with two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tamhane’ s T2, and student’s t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences PF-02341066 solubility dmso in retention strength across the cement groups (p < 0.01). Resin-based cements showed significantly higher decementation loads than a noneugenol zinc oxide provisional cement (TempBond NE) (p < 0.01), with the highest tensile resistance

seen with Multilink Implant, followed by Cem-Implant, MIS Crown Set, ImProv, Premier Implant Cement, EsTemp Implant, and ImplaTemp. Increasing the cement gap from 20 to 40 μm

improved retention significantly for the higher strength cements: Multilink Implant, Premier Implant Cement, ImProv, Cem-Implant, and MIS Crown Set (p < 0.01), while it had no significant effect on retention for the lower strength cements: EsTemp Implant, ImplaTemp, and TempBond NE (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Resin cements MCE公司 specifically formulated for implant-supported restorations demonstrated significant differences in retention strength. The ranking of cements presented in the study is meant to be an arbitrary guide for the clinician in deciding the appropriate cement selection for CAD/CAM-fabricated metal copings onto implant abutments with different luting space settings. “
“This article is a historical review of the last decade of Rudolph Hanau’s life. It covers his introduction to dentistry and explores his prolific articulator designs and contributions to the prosthodontic literature. “
“Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate alternative pretreatment modalities to enhance the dentin/alloy shear bond strength using a self-etch adhesive system. Material and Methods: Ninety discs were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 30). The discs of the first group were cast in gold palladium (Au-Pd); those of the second group were cast in palladium silver alloy (Pd-Ag); the discs of third group were cast in nickel chromium alloy (Ni-Cr).

Despite such classification,

hallucinogens and cannabinoi

Despite such classification,

hallucinogens and cannabinoids are used by patients with headache on occasion. Cannabinoids in particular have a long history of Regorafenib mouse use for headache and migraine before prohibition and are still used by patients as a migraine abortive. Hallucinogens are being increasing used by cluster headache patients outside of physician recommendation mainly to abort a cluster period and to maintain quiescence for which there is considerable anecdotal success. “
“The mechanisms underlying the genesis of migraine pain remain enigmatic largely because of the absence of any identifiable cephalic pathology. Based on numerous indirect lines of evidence, 2 nonmutually exclusive hypotheses have been put forward. The first theorizes that migraine pain originates in the periphery and requires the activation of primary afferent nociceptive neurons that innervate cephalic tissues, primarily the cranial meninges and their related blood vessels. The second maintains that

nociceptor activation may not be required and that the headache is promoted GW-572016 supplier primarily as a result of abnormal processing of sensory signals in the central nervous system. This paper reviews the evidence leading to these disparate theories while siding with the primacy of nociceptor activation in the genesis migraine headache. The paper further examines the potential future use of established human models of migraine for addressing the origin of migraine headache. “
“(Headache 2010;50:42-51) Objective.— 上海皓元 To evaluate in a headache clinic population the relationship of childhood maltreatment on the prevalence of pain conditions comorbid with migraine. Background.— Childhood maltreatment is highly prevalent and has been frequently associated with recurrent headache. The relationship

of maltreatment and pain has, however, been a subject of some debate. Methods.— Cross-sectional data on self-reported physician-diagnosed pain conditions were electronically collected from persons with migraine (diagnosed according to International Classification of Headache Disorders-2), seeking treatment in headache clinics at 11 centers across the US and Canada. These included irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), interstitial cystitis (IC), arthritis, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Other information included demographics, migraine characteristics (frequency, headache-related disability), remote and current depression (The Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and remote and current anxiety (The Beck Anxiety Inventory). Patients also completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire regarding sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, and emotional and physical neglect under the age of 18 years old.

We believe that the close correlation between cLC and LSM lessene

We believe that the close correlation between cLC and LSM lessened the influence of

cLC in the multivariate analysis, suggesting that LSM may be a stronger predictor of HCC than cLC. When we divided our study population into five groups using the stratified LSM, the proportion of patients with cLC and HCC development increased significantly in the groups with high LSMs. Furthermore, the stratified LSM was independently associated with HCC development in our study. These results indicate find more that a correlation between high LSM and HBV-related HCC development remains significant, even if HBV-related HCC can develop from a noncirrhotic background. However, the hazard ratio of HCC development in our patients with CHB was lower than that reported for those with CHC.13 Indeed, the hazard ratio for HCC development was 45.5 in patients who had CHC with LSM value >25 kPa, whereas it was only 6.6 in patients having CHB with LSM value >23 kPa in our study. The hazard ratio for HCC development in our patients may be reduced by HCC cases arising Akt inhibitor in a noncirrhotic background. However, because liver cirrhosis defined by LSM has been identified

as a strong independent risk factor for HBV-related HCC development as in HCV-related HCC,4, 25 we cautiously suggest that LSM can be used as a predictor of HCC development in both HBV and HCV-related chronic liver disease. In addition, because 8 kPa has

been reported as a cutoff value for significant fibrosis (stage F2 or higher),22, 34 our results suggest that patients with significant fibrosis are also at a higher risk of HCC development. When the incidence of HCC was compared among groups classified using the LSM and clinical criteria of liver cirrhosis, the incidence of HCC did not differ significantly between patients with LSM ≤13 kPa and cLC and those with LSM ≤13 kPa and without cLC (Fig. 4). However, the mean LSM in patients with LSM ≤13 kPa and cLC was significantly MCE公司 higher than that of patients with LSM ≤13 kPa and without cLC (9.5 versus 6.9 kPa; P < 0.001). When compared with patients with LSM >13 kPa and cLC, the proportions of HBeAg positivity (22.2% [n = 10] versus 47.0% [n = 62]; P = 0.004) and detectable HBV DNA (28.9% [n = 13] versus 43.2% [n = 57]; P = 0.048) were significantly lower in patients with LSM ≤13 kPa and cLC. Furthermore, most patients (n = 35, 77.8%) had previous or ongoing use of an antiviral agent. Therefore, the high proportion of antiviral treatment, lower rate of HBeAg positivity, and detectable HBV DNA might have led to completely inactive cirrhosis or resolving fibrosis.35 This hypothesis might explain the similar incidence of HCC between patients with LSM ≤13 kPa and cLC and those with LSM ≤13 kPa and without cLC.

Apart from a patient’s biochemical profile, etiology still remain

Apart from a patient’s biochemical profile, etiology still remains an important predictor of outcome. A web application of the prediction model is being developed for clinical use.

Future work will need to evaluate the efficacy of treatments that may prevent progression to ALF and determine their impact on our predictive model. Disclosures: William M. Lee – Consulting: Eli Lilly, Novartis; Grant/Research Support: Gilead, Roche, Vertex, BI, Anadys, BMS, merck; Speaking and Teaching: Merck JNK screening The following people have nothing to disclose: Jaime L. Speiser, David G. Koch The CLIF organ failure score (CLIF-C OFs) was developed to diagnose ACLF and the CLIF-C GSK-3 inhibitor ACLF score to define their prognosis (Jalan et al. J Hepatol 2014). Although the 28-day mortality of the non-ACLF cirrhotic patient with

acute decompensation (AD) was only 4.6% in the CANONIC study, the 3, 6 and 12-month mortality were 12.6%, 18.3% and 27.6% respectively. The aims were to develop and validate the CLIF-C AD score (CLIF_C ADs) to prognosticate on the patients with AD but without ACLF and, compare this with the Pugh score, MELD and MELD-Na scores. METHODS: The derivation set included 1,016 CANONIC study patients who did not have ACLF at enrollment. Proportional-hazards models considering liver transplantation as a competing risk (PH-CR) was used to identify score parameters. PH-CR models were fitted applying a forward step-wise selection method. The coefficients estimated for each factor were used as relative weights to compute the CLIF-C ADs. Validation was performed on a random

sample of 500 patients from the CANONIC non-ACLF group and in 225 non-ACLF cirrhotic patients (London and Barcelona) comparing the C-index estimates with those obtained for MELDs, MELD-NAs and CPs. CLIF-C ADs was also validated for sequential use. RESULTS. Age, serum sodium, Ln white-cell count, Ln creatinine and Ln INR were selected as the best predictors of mortality and used to compute 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 the CLIF-C ADs. The C-index (95%CI) for prediction of mortality was significantly better for CLIF-C ADs (Table) in both the derivation (table) and internal validation sets. CLIF-C ADs also performed better than the Pugh, MELD and the MELD-Nas at predicting 3- and 12-month mortality in the external dataset. CLIF-C ADs improved in its ability to predict 3-month mortality using data from days 2, 3-7 and 8-15 (C-index: 0.72; 0.75 and 0.77 respectively). CONCLUSIONS. This study describes and validates a new score, the CLIF-C ADs for sequential use that accurately defines 3-month and 1-year mortality of non-ACLF hospitalized cirrhotic patients with AD.

1B) This suggests that desmosterol may have an independent role

1B). This suggests that desmosterol may have an independent role in the pathogenesis of NASH. Desmosterol is a precursor of

cholesterol in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Thus, its levels could relate either to direct effects of desmosterol or reflect changes in other components of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Desmosterol AZD3965 mw strongly activates LXR target genes in vivo[35, 36] and in a mouse model deficient for the gene coding the desmosterol reductase enzyme (DHCR24), which catalyzes the conversion of desmosterol into cholesterol.[37, 38] Our gene expression results support the view that desmosterol may have a specific role in activating, e.g., LXR target genes, as compared to cholestenol and lathosterol (Supporting Table 5). Interestingly, the DHCR24 gene function has also been associated with

mTOR inhibitor apoptosis and with protective responses to oxidative stress,[39] all phenomena also important in NASH. Furthermore, HCV infection induces desmosterol accumulation[42] and overexpression of DHCR24 in cell lines.[43] These potential similarities in desmosterol metabolism between NASH and HCV infection are of particular interest because HCV infection is also associated with serum lipid abnormalities and liver steatosis.[44] There are several potential direct and indirect mechanisms that need to be investigated in further experimental studies to clarify the link between desmosterol metabolism and NASH. We acknowledge that serum cholesterol precursors are only surrogate markers of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. However, it is not feasible to measure cholesterol synthesis directly in a large population.[45] In addition, our results suggest distinct roles for cholesterol precursors and these differences could not have been observed if only the cholesterol synthesis rate had been measured. Moreover, we carefully controlled for the treatment with statins

(Table 1) and analyzed the data after excluding subjects using statins (Supporting Table 3 and Supporting Fig. 1). With respect to the population study, we also recognize that ALT is an unspecific marker of liver disease in a population. However, it is not possible to obtain liver biopsies in a large MCE random population cohort, as was used in our study. One limitation of the population study was that all participants were men. Therefore, the results with respect to the association between serum ALT and desmosterol in the population cannot be generalized to women. In obese individuals we found a correlation between serum desmosterol and liver inflammation in women but not significantly in men, probably due to the lower number of men. However, we cannot exclude that gender would modify the association between desmosterol and NASH.

Quantification of the gelatinolytic areas was measured with Image

Quantification of the gelatinolytic areas was measured with ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). Frozen liver sections from TLR4-WT and TLR4-MT mice were incubated in 1% agarose fortified with fluorescent gelatin (Molecular Probes, Invitrogen). The sections were then incubated at 37°C in a substrate

development buffer, and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid was used as a negative control as previously described.25 Primary LECs were cultured for 24 and 48 hours and subsequently incubated with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) reagent (Promega, Madison, WI). The absorbance of the plate was read colorimetrically at an optical density of 490 nm. Wnt inhibitor Standardization and other steps were performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data are expressed as means and standard errors of the mean (SEMs) of at least three independent selleck products experiments. Groups were compared by a two-tailed Student t test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. As a first step in exploring a role for TLR4 in liver fibrosis–associated angiogenesis, we determined

the expression of TLR4 in LECs from both humans and mice. Confirming prior studies,26 quantitative RT-PCR analysis detected TLR4 mRNA levels in both human and murine LECs; levels were substantially elevated in comparison with other systemic human endothelial cells such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), although they were less elevated than the levels of lymphocyte-positive control Raji cells (Fig. 1A). This observation was substantiated by detection of a specific immunofluorescence signal for TLR4 in isolated mouse and human LECs (Fig. 1B); this medchemexpress indicated that TLR4 was expressed in both

murine and human LECs. Although other TLR molecules were also expressed within LECs (data not shown), they were not pursued in further detail in this work. Instead, the present study was focused in a hypothesis-based manner on the recognition of TLR4 by LPS and its potential relevance to liver injury, fibrosis, and vascular integrity due to the proposed links of LPS with these processes. Reorganization of endothelial cells into tubelike vascular structures in Matrigel, which is called tubulogenesis, provides an in vitro estimation of the angiogenic capacity of vascular cells because a number of steps required for angiogenesis in vivo are required for tubulogenesis in vitro.15 To test TLR4 functional relevance in angiogenesis, we isolated LECs from TLR4-MT or TLR4-WT mice and measured tubulogenesis. As shown in Fig. 2A,B, although LPS prominently stimulated tubulogenesis in WT mice, both basal tubulogenesis and LPS-stimulated tubulogenesis were markedly attenuated in TLR4-MT mice. The antibiotic polymyxin-B inhibited tubulogenesis in all groups, and this further supports the role of basal LPS and TLR4 in this process.

We are grateful to PEDECIBA and ANII for financial support and En

We are grateful to PEDECIBA and ANII for financial support and Enrique González for useful comments on M. dimidiata behaviour. Appendix S1. Cranial and humeral measurements, cranial and humeral indices,

and comparisons of cranial indices of Emerson & Radinsky (1980). “
“Meiotic behavior based on observations of the first and second divisions was studied in males of four taxa of the Australian tiger beetle genus Pseudotetracha of the tribe Megacephalini (Coleoptera). Pseudotetracha blackburni clade 1 shows 10 pairs of autosomes plus a trivalent that is hypothesized to be the result of either a translocation or a fusion in which the original heterosomes (very likely XY) and an autosomal pair are involved, giving rise to a recently established neo-X1X2Y sex chromosome system of chiasmatic nature. The origin of this karyotype has been determined to have taken place 2.30–3.72 million years in the past using drug discovery a molecular clock based on the 16S rRNA substitution rate. Pseudotetracha blackburni clade 2 shows a meioformula of the type n = 11 + XY, the same as that found in the related taxon P. australis. Previous data for P. whelani, with 12 pairs of autosomes and an XY sex chromosome system, are confirmed in this survey. The multiple

chiasmatic sex chromosome system of P. blackburni clade 1 is considered to be of recent origin and with an evolutionarily short-life confined to this species, where close relatives exhibit simple genetic systems, in contrast to the long evolutionary www.selleckchem.com/products/cobimetinib-gdc-0973-rg7420.html life of the multiple achiasmatic sex chromosome system broadly 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 found in the tribes Cicindelini and Collyrini. The

implications of this chromosomal rearrangement in terms of recombination and speciation are discussed. The results of this work, together with the available cytogenetic data for other Megacephalini species, are interpreted in the light of recent molecular phylogenies of the tribe, showing evidence of a possible process of karyotypic orthoselection with recurrent cycles of incorporation of autosomes to the heterosome pair and subsequent loss of the Y chromosome in Tetracha and Pseudotetracha. “
“We conducted a study of the male rut vocalizations (groans) of two closely related species, Persian and European fallow deer. Persian fallow deer are endangered, restricted to Iran and Israel, and their rut vocalizations have never been studied. By contrast, European fallow deer are one of the most common deer species in the world, and have been the subject of numerous detailed studies. Persian bucks are approximately 16% larger than European bucks, and this can have important implications for vocalizations. Persian bucks were recorded in Israel, and European bucks were recorded in the UK and Ireland. We measured temporal, fundamental frequency-related and formant-related parameters of groans and determined which acoustic parameters differed among species and populations.

Of the 47 in the latter group, 16 died before 1991, when such tes

Of the 47 in the latter group, 16 died before 1991, when such testing became generally available in Sweden. Of these 47 deceased subjects with NAFLD, two had been tested and were found to be negative for hepatitis C virus. No one in this group had any medical history of intravenous drug abuse or blood transfusions; nor did any exhibit the liver inflammation with portal infiltrates indicative of hepatitis C virus infection. All Swedish residents

are assigned a unique 10-digit national registration number, and these identification numbers are recorded in the nationwide and virtually complete Cause of Death Registry.12 Through selleck this registry, information concerning all deaths during the study period (1980 to July 9, 2008), including dates and causes of death (coded according to the International Classifications of Diseases versions 8, 9, and 1013–15) could be obtained. Similarly, through the national and continuously updated Population Registry, individuals still alive and residing in Sweden could

be identified, so that the follow-up was complete. On an outpatient basis, liver biopsies had been performed on all of the subjects percutaneously with a 1.6-mm Menghini-type needle. All of these biopsies were reevaluated employing a modern classification by two of the authors (C.S. and R.H.), as well as by Selleck NVP-LDE225 a third reference person (H.G.), all of whom were blinded to the patient details. Liver histology was scored in accordance with the system developed by Kleiner and Brunt et al.16 A classification of NASH was made on the basis of steatosis, lobular inflammation, and ballooning degeneration, and fibrosis was scored to determine the stage (progression) of this condition.

For grading disease activity in connection with chronic hepatitis, we used the scoring system developed by Batts and Ludwig.17 Iron content was evaluated according to Scheuer18 as no, weak, moderate, or intense staining, and localization predominantly in Kupffer cells or in hepatocytes. To assess the relative risk of death, we employed standardized O-methylated flavonoid mortality ratios (SMR), that is, the ratio between the observed numbers of deaths in the cohort compared with the number expected on the basis of mortality rates for the general population. The expected numbers of deaths were calculated by adding all person-years accumulated in the cohort into strata (sex, age [in 5-year groups) and calendar year of follow-up [in 5-year intervals]) and then multiplying the stratum-specific person-years by the corresponding stratum-specific incidence rates for the entire Swedish population. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (CI) were calculated assuming that the observed events followed a Poisson distribution. Follow-up began at the date of the initial liver biopsy and ended on July 9, 2008, or, if earlier, the date of death. Kaplan-Meier curves are used to depict the mortality in the cohort graphically. All analyses were conducted using SAS statistical software.