In addition, among the slow responders with a <2-log decline in <

In addition, among the slow responders with a <2-log decline in Palbociclib cell line HCV RNA at week 8, SVR was attained by 19% of patients treated for 48 weeks and 39% of those treated for 72 weeks. Among slow responders with a ≥2-log decline in HCV RNA at week 8, treatment outcomes were similar regardless of treatment duration. Safety and tolerability were generally similar across all treatment groups (Table 2). Serious adverse events were

similar across the treatment arms; however, adverse events leading to early withdrawal from therapy appeared slightly higher in group B compared with group A. This was the largest prospective, randomized study of patients with hepatitis C G1 infection and a slow virologic response. These

data show that a weight-based regimen of PEG-IFN alfa-2b plus RBV for 72 weeks resulted in a similar Romidepsin manufacturer rate of SVR compared with the same regimen administered for 48 weeks. Although there was a numerical trend for improved SVR in the 72-week treatment arm, this failed to achieve statistical significance. This observation has important implications for clinical practice because of the increasing tendency, as recommended by some guidelines,12 to extend treatment duration beyond 48 weeks for slow virologic responders and, occasionally, for G1-infected patients with detectable HCV RNA at week 4. This practice results in an increase in adverse events and cost of therapy without a clear benefit in increasing SVR. The results of two studies suggest that treatment with PEG-IFN alfa 2a plus RBV for 72 weeks increases SVR rates in patients with varying definitions of slow response compared

with the standard 48-week treatment. However, in these studies (one prospective study in patients with detectable HCV RNA at week 4, and one retrospective analysis of patients with HCV RNA ≥50 IU/mL at week 12 and <50 IU/mL at week 24),6, 7 patients were treated with a fixed dose of RBV (800 mg), resulting in SVR rates of 17% and 28% in the 48-week treatment arms. Essentially, these studies showed that extending treatment duration medchemexpress to 72 weeks was associated with lower relapse in patients treated with a suboptimal dose of RBV. These observations led many investigators to conclude incorrectly that a longer regimen was more effective than the standard 48-week regimen, a strategy which has been further encouraged through its adoption into treatment guidelines.12 In the present study, the higher rate of dropout in the 72-week treatment arm clearly contributed to end-of-treatment response rates, which were 12% lower in the 72-week treatment group compared with the 48-week treatment group.

Nine patients (150%) receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day and 32 cas

Nine patients (15.0%) receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day and 32 cases (53.3%) receiving 1500 mg/day underwent RBV dose reduction at the beginning of treatment. In other words, the group receiving telaprevir

Dorsomorphin 1500 mg/day had a significantly lower initial dose of telaprevir and RBV dose than did the group receiving 2250 mg/day (Table 2). However, in the present study, HCV RNA became undetectable during the 12 weeks of treatment at similar or higher rates in the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group than in the 2250 mg/day group (Fig. 1). In the IL28B TT genotype, the early virological response of the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group was significantly higher than that of the 2250 mg/day group. Although we assessed baseline factors, drug adherence and drug discontinuation rates only in the IL28B TT genotype, there were no significant differences between both groups, except for lower telaprevir adherence up to 12 weeks and a greater number of cases of PEG IFN and RBV dose reductions at the beginning of treatment in the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group. Therefore, the reason for significant differences Ruxolitinib purchase in the early virological response between both groups is unclear. However, we considered that these results did not affect the SVR rate because

HCV RNA became undetectable in all patients in both groups at 8 weeks after the start of triple therapy. In all cases, IL28B TT cases and non-TT cases, there were no significant differences in SVR rates after triple therapy between those receiving telaprevir 2250 and 1500 mg/day (Figs 3, 4). By examining the detailed course of drug administration from 12–24 weeks (Table 2), we found that the group receiving telaprevir 1500 mg/day had a lower discontinuation rate of telaprevir and higher adherence to RBV and PEG IFN up to 24 weeks in spite of the low initial RBV dose. Furthermore,

hemoglobin levels showed greater reductions during triple therapy with telaprevir 2250 mg/day than with telaprevir 1500 mg/day, and the group receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day had a significantly higher discontinuation rate of telaprevir due to anemia than did the group receiving telaprevir 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 1500 mg/day (Fig. 2). Therefore, telaprevir 1500 mg/day may be a safe option as part of triple therapy, while maintaining PEG IFN and RBV adherence. Viral breakthrough or relapse can occur during telaprevir monotherapy or telaprevir plus PEG IFN dual therapy (without RBV) because of the development of mutations that confer resistance to telaprevir.[14, 27-29] Furthermore, in a Japanese phase III trial of triple therapy in relapsers and non-responders who had not achieved SVR to a previously administrated IFN-based regimen, SVR rates increased as RBV adherence increased, particularly in previous non-responders.

Nine patients (150%) receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day and 32 cas

Nine patients (15.0%) receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day and 32 cases (53.3%) receiving 1500 mg/day underwent RBV dose reduction at the beginning of treatment. In other words, the group receiving telaprevir

BAY 80-6946 price 1500 mg/day had a significantly lower initial dose of telaprevir and RBV dose than did the group receiving 2250 mg/day (Table 2). However, in the present study, HCV RNA became undetectable during the 12 weeks of treatment at similar or higher rates in the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group than in the 2250 mg/day group (Fig. 1). In the IL28B TT genotype, the early virological response of the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group was significantly higher than that of the 2250 mg/day group. Although we assessed baseline factors, drug adherence and drug discontinuation rates only in the IL28B TT genotype, there were no significant differences between both groups, except for lower telaprevir adherence up to 12 weeks and a greater number of cases of PEG IFN and RBV dose reductions at the beginning of treatment in the telaprevir 1500 mg/day group. Therefore, the reason for significant differences MLN0128 in the early virological response between both groups is unclear. However, we considered that these results did not affect the SVR rate because

HCV RNA became undetectable in all patients in both groups at 8 weeks after the start of triple therapy. In all cases, IL28B TT cases and non-TT cases, there were no significant differences in SVR rates after triple therapy between those receiving telaprevir 2250 and 1500 mg/day (Figs 3, 4). By examining the detailed course of drug administration from 12–24 weeks (Table 2), we found that the group receiving telaprevir 1500 mg/day had a lower discontinuation rate of telaprevir and higher adherence to RBV and PEG IFN up to 24 weeks in spite of the low initial RBV dose. Furthermore,

hemoglobin levels showed greater reductions during triple therapy with telaprevir 2250 mg/day than with telaprevir 1500 mg/day, and the group receiving telaprevir 2250 mg/day had a significantly higher discontinuation rate of telaprevir due to anemia than did the group receiving telaprevir MCE 1500 mg/day (Fig. 2). Therefore, telaprevir 1500 mg/day may be a safe option as part of triple therapy, while maintaining PEG IFN and RBV adherence. Viral breakthrough or relapse can occur during telaprevir monotherapy or telaprevir plus PEG IFN dual therapy (without RBV) because of the development of mutations that confer resistance to telaprevir.[14, 27-29] Furthermore, in a Japanese phase III trial of triple therapy in relapsers and non-responders who had not achieved SVR to a previously administrated IFN-based regimen, SVR rates increased as RBV adherence increased, particularly in previous non-responders.

4A) Importantly, this Adeno-PLA2GXIIB virus but not the control

4A). Importantly, this Adeno-PLA2GXIIB virus but not the control virus elevated the rate of hepatic VLDL secretion in PLA2GXIIB−/− mice close to that of the wild-type level (Fig. 6A,B) and restored the decrease in serum TG level in PLA2GXIIB−/−

mice (Fig. 6C), strongly indicating that PLA2GXIIB functions to regulate lipid metabolism. Finally, to confirm that PLA2GXIIB functions down-stream of HNF-4α to control lipid metabolism, we injected into wild-type and PLA2GXIIB−/− mice the control Adeno-ΔE1E3 or Adeno-HNF-4α and measured the http://www.selleckchem.com/products/fg-4592.html changes in serum TG levels. We established that Adeno-HNF-4α was effective in overexpressing HNF-4α and inducing PEPCK, MTP, and PLA2GXIIB mRNA expressions in HepG2 cells (Supporting Information Fig. 4B,C). Although Adeno-HNF-4α elevated the serum TG level in wild-type mice compared to the control adenovirus (Fig. 6D), it failed to elevate serum TG level in PLA2GXIIB−/− mice (Fig. 6D). In all, our analysis strongly suggested that PLA2GXIIB is an important target of HNF-4α necessary for controlling lipid metabolism. We demonstrated PF-02341066 research buy in this study that PLA2GXIIB is an HNF-4α target gene. First, close

to its transcriptional start site at positions −68 to −86, PLA2GXIIB promoter contains an HNF-4α response element composed of 5′-AGAGGACAAAGGTGAAAC-3′, representing a direct repeat with a 1 base pair spacer (DR1) of an imperfect nuclear hormone receptor consensus binding

sequence AGGTCA. Second, HNF-4α bound to this response element by EMSA analysis and that an anti-HNF-4α antibody immunoprecipitated a chromatin fragment spanning this response element from mouse liver. Third, HNF-4α modulators regulated PLA2GXIIB expression in HepG2 cells and fasting induces hepatic PLA2GXIIB expression similar to other HNF-4α target genes. Noticeably, HNF-4α overexpression by adenovirus or knockdown by small interfering RNA also regulated PLA2GXIIB expression.9 Moreover, PLA2GXIIB expression is strongly reduced in HNF4αLivKO mice.6 Importantly, 上海皓元 PLA2GXIIB-null mice accumulated TG, cholesterol, and fatty acids in the liver and developed severe hepatosteatosis despite reduced serum TG and cholesterol levels, closely resembling some of the phenotypes of HNF4αLivKO mice.6 Because cholesterols, TGs, and phospholipids are first exported from the liver via VLDL-TG particles which then serve as key precursors for LDL and HDL cholesterol,13 we found that PLA2GXIIB-null mice are defective in hepatic VLDL-TG secretion, which is likely responsible for the hepatosteatosis and reduced serum total TG, cholesterol, and phospholipids levels observed. Critically, an adenovirus encoding HNF-4α failed to elevate serum TG levels in PLA2GXIIB-null mice.

05) But no relations were found between the expression of G3BP1<

05). But no relations were found between the expression of G3BP1

and G3BP2 and patients’ age, gender, tumor location, lymph node metastasis, Dukes stage, and differentiation degree.(4) During the three groups, the ratio of G3BP1 and G3BP2 is not statistically significant. The degree of G3BP1 expression in colorectal cancer was correlated positively with the degree of G3BP2 expression (rs = 0.425, P = 0.000). Conclusion: The Inhibitor Library expressions of G3BP1 and G3BP2 proteins in colorectal cancer were high, and there was a positive correlation between the high expressions of them in colorectal cancer. The high expressions of G3BP1 and G3BP2 proteins were correlated with tumor histologic type. As the happening and development progress of cancer, their expressions are gradually higher in normal group,

adenoma group and cancer group. G3BP1and G3BP2 may have synergetic effect on the happening and development progress of colorectal cancer. Key Word(s): 1. Colorectal cancer; 2. G3BP1; 3. G3BP2; 4. Immunohistochemistry; Presenting Author: BIN DENG Additional Authors: YANBING DING, PING BO, ZHONGXI SHEN Corresponding Author: BIN DENG Affiliations: Second Clinical School of Yangzhou University; Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Objective: Hypoxia is a condition to drive development of tumours including gastric cancer. However, a link between tumour hypoxia and tolerance mediated by Tregs in gastric cancer remains poorly understood. Methods: We investigated the expression of Tregs and HIF-1α in the tumor site of gastric BVD-523 cancer via immunohistochemistry. We investigated the TGF-β1 levels in gastric cancer cell lines under either hypoxic or oxic conditions. Then, we used an in vitro

co-culture system to detect the underlying mechanisms for the development of Tregs. Results: Tregs and HIF-1α was found to be positively correlated in gastric cancer. Supernatants derived from gastric cancer cells under hypoxic condition induce Tregs significantly. Conclusion: Hypoxia promote induction of Tregs in gastric cancer. Key Word(s): 1. Hypoxia; 2. Gastric cancer; 3. Regulatory T cells; 4. TGF-β1; Presenting Author: RUNWEI MCE公司 YAN Additional Authors: XIAOGANG YUAN, YONG LI, NONGHUA LV, SHIWEN LUO Corresponding Author: NONGHUA LV, SHIWEN LUO Affiliations: The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Objective: Previous studies suggest Hedgehog signaling is essential for gastric cancer, but the precise function of Hedgehog signaling in gastric cancer is still unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of Hedgehog signaling in gastric tumorigenesis. Methods: The expressions of Hedgehog signaling key components in clinical samples of gastric tumorigenic sequential stages were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Radiofrequency energy was delivered with a 17-G, Cool-Tip electro

Radiofrequency energy was delivered with a 17-G, Cool-Tip electrode with a 2-cm (nodules ≤ 1.5 cm in diameter) or 3-cm (nodules 1.5–2.5 cm) exposed metallic tip (Radionics) introduced into the center of the nodule. For nodules greater than 2.5 cm, multiple needle MK0683 concentration punctures were performed with a 3-cm exposed metallic tip. In the 70 (80%) of 88 patients with hypervascular HCC nodules confirmed on CT during hepatic arteriography, TACE was performed an average 3 days before RFA. TACE was performed through the femoral artery using the technique of Seldinger under local anesthesia.

An angiographic catheter was inserted selectively into the hepatic feeding artery of a segment or subsegments containing the target tumor. We used cisplatinum (Randa; Nippon Kayaku, Tokyo, Japan) as an anticancer drug mixed with iodized oil (Lipiodol; Nihon Schering, Tokyo, Japan) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL and injected at a dose of 10–40 mg/body. The find more selected dose was based on tumor size. Injection was discontinued upon full accumulation of iodized oil in the tumor vessels. No gelatin sponge or coil embolization was used after TACE in the present study. To evaluate the efficacy of RFA, dynamic CT was performed at 2–3 days after each treatment session using the protocol described for pretreatment imaging studies. CT findings were confirmed by consensus between the two radiologists. On dynamic CT images, the non-enhancing

area was measured as the ablated area. When the diameter of the non-enhancing area was greater than that of the ablated nodule, RFA was considered to have produced a complete effect and the treatment was terminated. When the diameter of the necrotic area was closely similar to that of the tumor without any ablated margin or when the only partial enhancement of a portion of the tumor was seen, RFA was considered to have produced an incomplete effect, and an additional session of ablation was accordingly performed 3–5 days

later, and in principle repeated until a complete effect was confirmed. The outcome of RFA was evaluated in CT images taken 3–4 weeks after the final RFA session. Follow-up US and dynamic CT were performed at 3- to 4-month intervals using protocols similar to those applied 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 in the pretreatment studies. Serum HCC-specific tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein (AFP), its lectin fraction 3, and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), were measured every 1–2 months. Local tumor progression was determined when a subsequent follow-up CT demonstrated any tumor growth or enhancement in the ablation zone, where complete primary effectiveness (i.e. no evidence of residual tumor) was previously obtained. Secondary effectiveness was evaluated in patients who underwent follow-up CT 1 year or more after RFA,19 and included tumors that underwent successful repeat RFA after the identification of local tumor progression.

Subjective ratings of emotional valence and arousal were assessed

Subjective ratings of emotional valence and arousal were assessed during the regulation task and again after 1 week. Memory for the pictures was assessed with

free recall. Results indicated that pictures accompanied by instructions to increase emotion were better recalled than pictures reappraised to decrease emotion. Modulation of emotional arousal elicited by stimuli persisted over a week, but this effect was observed only for men. These findings suggest that cognitive reappraisal can have long-lasting effects on emotional reactions to stimuli. However, the sex differences observed for the effects of reappraisal on emotional reactions highlight the importance of considering individual differences in the effects of regulation. “
“Visual Hallucinations are considered to affect about 20%–40% of patients with Parkinson’s disease. They are generally seen as a side effect of this long-term illness selleck products and can severely affect the daily quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the coping patterns or strategies used by patients and establish whether the phenomenology and behaviours used by patients enabled control of the phenomenon. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded, including motor measures, cognitive status,

and depressive symptoms. Patient with hallucinations PLX3397 nmr were at a more advance stage of the disease and displayed more depressive symptoms than their non-hallucinating counterparts. Most patients used more than one constructive coping strategy, the most common were simple behavioural strategies based around motor action or cognitive approaches resulting in visual modification. In addition, humour was a common technique used by the patients to deal with the phenomenon. Emotional responses varied between patients, but it was found that the actual MCE公司 content of the hallucination was not directly associated with whether

it caused trouble to the patient, but perceived stress was strongly correlated with the subjective disturbing nature of visual hallucinations (VHs). This study gives insight into the role of cognitive-behavioural approaches when dealing with VHs and opens up avenues for future studies in helping patient to deal with hallucinations. “
“The recent Journal corrigendum (45:1416) is clarified here relative to the discrepancy between Theriot (2008) and Kaczmarska and Medlin (2009) about the delivery of a data set. The Journal of Phycology has determined from its records of correspondence that NEXUS files were provided by Kaczmarska and Medlin to the Journal, as requested, and sent by the Journal to Theriot. Thus, a data set was transferred as stated in Kaczmarska and Medlin (2009); however, the sequence file did not include an alignment.

The occlusal wax carver

was attached to the divider, whil

The occlusal wax carver

was attached to the divider, while the other end of the divider was at the cross point marked between the predetermined 4-inch radius line with an arc formed by the mandibular canine. An optimal mandibular occlusal plane was established, and the maxillary occlusal plane was performed accordingly (Figs 8-10). A progressive canine disocclusion, which will maintain the anterior disocclusion pattern if the canine guidance is lost in the future, was achieved.[20] Interim prostheses were fabricated and relined in the patient’s mouth.[21] A clear vacuum template was processed with a proper extension to the hard palate in the maxilla and to the retromolar pad in the mandible for a repositioning index to determine the amount of the incisal and occlusal clearance required, as opening of the OVD JQ1 molecular weight necessitates less occlusal preparation. During

a 2-month period, the patient tolerated the increased OVD with no signs or symptoms of muscle soreness or TMJ pain.[22] The patient presented with excellent health and had no medical contraindications for prosthodontic treatment. She had generalized plaque-induced gingivitis. A pantographic survey indicated that mandibular movements were reproducible and smooth with an immediate side shift. The patient exhibited moderate to severe wear, exposing dentin on most of her teeth with multiple carious lesions due to a history of chemical erosion from soda swishing. Tooth #20 had chronic apical periodontitis. LY294002 research buy The patient’s oral hygiene was poor and needed improvement. She was classified via the ACP Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI) as a Class IV partially edentulous patient: there were edentulous areas in both arches, the abutments in three sextants had insufficient tooth structure and required adjunctive therapy, 上海皓元 and reestablishment of the entire occlusal scheme due to an increase in OVD. Assuming she maintains good oral hygiene, wears her occlusal device as required, and keeps her periodic recall and maintenance appointments, the prognosis is favorable. The patient was informed

of the treatment plan with its objectives and limitations. The selected restorations, restorative materials, esthetic requirements, and possible complications were discussed. The importance of oral hygiene, caries control, and continuous topical fluoride (1.1% sodium fluoride) application was emphasized. A full diagnostic wax-up was performed at the proposed OVD. Preparation of all teeth and provisionalization using the interim prostheses based on the diagnostic wax-up at an open OVD provided the patient with a mutually protected occlusion (Figs 11-13). The patient returned on a weekly basis for reevaluation of the restored OVD with the interim prostheses for 8 weeks. During that time, clinical decisions based on the current scientific evidence were performed as follows.

This work is submitted on behalf of the TREAT Consortium Disclos

This work is submitted on behalf of the TREAT Consortium. Disclosures: Patrick S. Kamath – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Sequana Medical Patricia C. Contreras – Employment: Conauts Pharmaceuticals Gregory J. Gores – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Delcath, Genentech, IntegraGen, Generon The following people have nothing to disclose: Vikas K. Verma, Vijay Shah Background

Infection is an important cause of mortality in severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) but the mechanism underlying susceptibility is unclear. Monocytes are pivotal in innate immunity, contributing to phagocytosis and pathogen clearance. Recently, adjunctive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to increase survival and reduce the number of infections in patients suffering from AH treated with prednisolone. The present study examines selleck the clinical impact of oxidative burst defect and the effect of NAC on circulating monocyte function in patients with AH and controls. Methods 50 patients with AH (all DF>32 and pre-treatment); 10 abstinent patients with compensated alcoholic cirrhosis (AC); and 20 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Using FACS, ex vivo monocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst (mOB)

were determined by the uptake of FITC-labelled E.coli and rhodamine respectively; results are expressed as % or MFI. Serum levels of IL10 and IFN-y were measured by ELISA. Subsequently, PBMC were incubated for 24 hours with either anti-IL10 antibodies [100μg/ml],

IFN-y [50ng/ml], prednisolone [10μg/ml] or NAC GDC-0449 cost [250μg/ml]; supplemented with either 10% autologous or 10% healthy serum. At the end of the incubation, CD14+ monocytes were labelled with fluorescent antibody and mOB was measured. Results Phagocytosis of opsonised E. coli was not impaired in AH versus HC (96 vs 95%; p=ns). However, mOB was defective in AH compared to HC (AH vs AC vs HC: 62 vs 66 vs 79%; AH vs HC p<0.01). A marked mOB defect was present in 17/48 (35%) patients with AH, and these patients were more likely to be treated for infection (OR 21, CI 1.8-248; p<0.001). Serum levels of IL10 were fivefold higher in AH but differences in IFN-y did not achieve statistical significance (AH vs AC vs HC IL10: 5.6 vs 2.0 vs 1.0 pg/ml; AH vs HC p<0.0001 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 and IFN-y: 2.4 vs 0.9 vs 0.8 pg/ml; AH vs HC p=0.06). In those patients with mOB defect, incubation of PBMC in healthy rather than autologous serum showed a trend to improve mOB (364 vs 508MFI; p=0.08). Strikingly however, addition of NAC, but not anti-IL10 antibodies, IFN-y or prednisolone, to PBMC in autologous serum markedly improved mOB [437 vs 672MFI; p=0.01]. Conclusions mOB is a key defect that is present in approximately one third of AH patients and may explain their increased susceptibility to infection.

Dr Biggs made a number of pertinent criticisms, notably that the

Dr Biggs made a number of pertinent criticisms, notably that the FVIII content of the Standards was too low to BVD-523 cell line be considered normal, that the reports of the collaborative studies, written by a statistician, were ‘incomprehensible’, and that insufficient quantities were available. I instituted a number of changes to deal with these criticisms, in particular to avoid losses of FVIII I shortened the time between blood collection and freeze

drying (this involved transport of the plasma in my own vehicle). Tom Kirkwood and I tried to write the reports so that they could be understood by laboratory scientists without specialized statistical knowledge, and I distributed the standards in larger amounts, particularly to smaller labs to use as a working standard. The increased usage meant frequent replacements, almost on an annual basis, but the wider availability of the Standards was much appreciated, and hopefully contributed to improved agreement on FVIII assays between laboratories in the UK. The other main function of NIBSC apart from making national and International Standards was to act as the National Control Laboratory for testing Biological Products, and I soon found increasing numbers of batches of FVIII concentrates coming in for testing (the Therapeutic Substances Act of 1968 had laid down mandatory testing of each batch of biological products by

NIBSC before it could be marketed). The numbers signaling pathway increased further when samples started to arrive from the national fractionation laboratories at Elstree and Edinburgh (they had previously been exempt from testing), and it became impractical to use the IS directly to assay all these products. We needed a working standard, and I contacted the Fractionation Laboratories at Elstree and Edinburgh to see if they would support the creation of a British Working Standard for FVIII concentrate, to

be shared among all three laboratories. The two centres took up this idea enthusiastically, and it became a longstanding and mutually satisfactory arrangement, whereby one of the two manufacturers 上海皓元 would supply the concentrate, and NIBSC would arrange the ampouling and calibration by collaborative study. In keeping with general practice in standardization, once the first IS for FVIII had been established, successive batches of British Standards (both plasma and concentrates) were calibrated against it. The assays of the plasma standards were much more variable among labs than those of the concentrates, and when analysing a series of studies, Tom Kirkwood and I noticed that there was a significant discrepancy between the results from one-stage and two-stage assays; the one-stage method gave higher potencies than the two-stage method, by 20% on average [16]. This is another example of the ‘like vs. like’ principle and it became clear that a separate International Plasma Standard for FVIII would be desirable to calibrate local and commercial plasma standards.