bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies of salivary pepsin in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Race Caroline , Chowdry Joanna , Russell Jean M. , Corfe Bernard M. , Riley Stuart A. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundGastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is difficult to diagnose without invasive testing. Peptest (RD Biomed, Hull, UK) is a recently marketed diagnostic tool which aims to quantify salivary pepsin as a marker of reflux, providing a rapid alternative to invasive procedures.AimTo evaluate optimal timing for sampling, and to evaluate the accuracy of Peptest against an independent measure.MethodsThirty diagnosed GERD patients (12 female, mean age 49 [range 20‐72]) and 20 asymptomatic subjects (14 female, mean age 56 [range 21‐56]) were subject to diurnal saliva sampling, with additional samples for 60 minutes following self‐reported reflux symptoms and triggering of a proximal reflux alarm. Saliva samples were split and were analysed by both Peptest and ELISA with operators for each blinded to sample identity.ResultsSalivary pepsin was detectable in most patients and most volunteers. Peptest scores were significantly lower for patients than controls (P < 0.005). ELISA scores showed no difference between patients and controls. There was no effect of diurnal sampling time (P = 0.75) or time after symptoms (P = 0.76) on Peptest readout. There was no correlation between Peptest and Pepsin ELISA (P = 0.55); Bland‐Altman analysis suggested no agreement between the tests (P = 0.414). Receiver‐operator curve suggests that neither Peptest (P = 0.3328) nor pepsin (P = 0.4476) is useful for predicting GERD.ConclusionSalivary pepsin is not a reliable tool for the diagnosis of GERD.
Editorial: breaking the cycle of cough in GERD—neuromodulators to the rescue?
Authors: Naik Rishi D. , Vaezi Michael F. 
Published: April 2019

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Dong et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15169 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15217.
Polymyxin B enhances acrosomal exocytosis triggered by calcium and the calcium ionophore A23187 in ejaculated boar spermatozoa
Authors: Akter Quzi S. , Rajabi‐Toustani Reza , Shimizu Kenji , Kuwahara Yasushi , Murase Tetsuma 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPolymyxin B (PMB) is beneficial for boar semen storage since it neutralizes the endotoxin of bacteria. However, the direct effect of PMB on boar spermatozoa has been unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of PMB on acrosomal exocytosis, an essential process for successful fertilization in boar spermatozoa. Ejaculated spermatozoa stored with BTS extender at 17°C were washed and incubated with 0–100 μM PMB for 20 min and then examined for % total motililty, vigor grade and viability. None of the parameters was significantly different between 0 and 50 μM PMB with a gradual decline at higher concentrations. Thus the effect on acrosomal exocytosis was investigated at 0–50 μM of PMB. Spermatozoa were preincubated with PMB for 10 min, incubated for stimulation of acrosomal exocytosis with Ca2+ and the calcium ionophore A23187 and then fixed with glutaraldehyde at 5, 10 and 15 min. Preincubation with PMB at 0.01–50 μM and 0.05–50 μM resulted in significant enhancement of acrosomal exocytosis at 10 min and 15 min of incubation, respectively. Preincubation with PMB followed by incubation without A23187 did not affect acrosomal exocytosis. These results suggest that PMB exerts effects on the acrosomal exocytosis triggered by Ca2+ and A23187 in boar spermatozoa.
Effect of broth from meat of linseed‐fed cattle on glucose‐stimulated insulin release in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Bacs Zoltan , Szabo Katalin , Czegledi Levente , Nemeth Jozsef , Fraknoi Peter , Kovacs Peter , Javor Andras , Varga Balazs , Juhasz Bela , Szilvassy Zoltan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acid consumption has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. We studied if administration of broth with beef meat enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids influenced glucose‐stimulated insulin release in healthy male volunteers. Broth was made either from cattles undergone dietary supplementation with lightly bruised whole linseed in addition to feeding ad libitum on grass silage (test meal) or from those fed grass silage alone (control meal). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed in patients after a 6‐day period of eating 300 ml broth containing 100 g meat once a day in addition to their otherwise normal mixed nourishment. During OGTT, blood samples were taken for blood glucose level and plasma insulin immunoreactivity before and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min after the glucose load. Glucose‐stimulated maximum increase in plasma insulin immunoreactivity was 42 ± 6.6 and 81 ± 7.4 mU/ml (p < 0.05) after the test and the control meals, respectively. However, both fasting and postload blood glucose levels were the same after either meal period. The results suggest an insulin‐sensitizing effect of food produced from beef cattle maintained on linseed diet in healthy human volunteers.
Temporal increases in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in midlife women: Longitudinal results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
Authors: Mitchell Deborah M. , Ruppert Kristin , Udupa Nisha , Bassir Fatima , Darakananda Karin , Solomon Daniel H. , Lian Yinjuan , Cauley Jane A. , Karlamangla Arun S. , Greendale Gail A. , Finkelstein Joel S. , Burnett‐Bowie Sherri‐Ann M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjective25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is critical for bone mineralization and may prevent fractures. Understanding vitamin D deficiency trends in midlife women is particularly important given their concurrent menopausal changes that increase risk for fracture. We aimed to evaluate changes in mean 25(OH)D over time and their determinants in a racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse cohort of midlife women.DesignA multi‐centre prospective cohort study.Patients1585 women ages 42‐52 years at baseline.MeasurementsWe measured serum 25(OH)D at 2 time points (1998‐2000 and 2009‐2011). Between‐visit change was assessed in the whole cohort and in socioeconomic and demographic subgroups. Among those with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <30 nmol/L) at baseline, we evaluated determinants of persistent deficiency at follow‐up.ResultsMean 25(OH)D increased from 53.8 to 70.0 nmol/L (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of deficiency decreased from 20.4% to 9.7% (P < 0.001). While baseline 25(OH)D differed among subgroups, the changes in 25(OH)D were similar among groups. The proportion of women reporting dietary supplement use increased from 40.8% to 67.1% (P < 0.001), and the increase in 25(OH)D was significantly higher in supplement users. Among women with vitamin D deficiency at baseline, White women and supplement users were less likely to remain deficient at follow‐up.ConclusionsAmong midlife women, temporal increases in 25(OH)D concentrations are driven largely by increases in supplement use. The proportion of women with 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L and thus at high risk for skeletal consequences remains substantial. Targeted screening for vitamin D deficiency in populations at risk for fragility fracture may be advisable.
Epidemiology of uveitis in urban Australia
Authors: Hart Colby T. , Zhu Elena Y. , Crock Carmel , Rogers Sophie L. , Lim Lyndell L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImportanceFew prior studies have described the epidemiology of uveitis in the Australian population.BackgroundTo report the incidence and period prevalence of active uveitis in Melbourne and detail their subtypes and aetiologies.DesignCross‐sectional study using retrospective medical record review in a tertiary hospital.ParticipantsPatients with a coded diagnosis of uveitis who attended the emergency department or specialist ocular immunology clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital between November 2014 through October 2015 (N = 1752).MethodsMedical records were reviewed to confirm the date of diagnosis and subtype of uveitis. Incidence and prevalence rates were calculated utilizing estimates of the adult population residing in areas of greater Melbourne with more than 30 ocular‐related presentations to the emergency department annually.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPresence and date of onset, anatomical distribution and aetiology of uveitis.ResultsDuring the study period, 734 new cases of uveitis and 502 cases of pre‐existing uveitis requiring active treatment were confirmed. These figures yielded an incidence of 21.54 (CI 20.03, 23.15) per 100 000 person‐years and a period prevalence of 36.27 (CI 34.30, 38.35) per 100 000 persons. The distribution of prevalent uveitis cases was anterior (75%), intermediate (6%), posterior (15%) and panuveitis (4%). An infectious aetiology accounted for 13.4% of cases, a systemic associated disease for 26.4% of cases, and no cause was identified in 60.2% of cases.Conclusion and RelevanceThe incidence and prevalence rates of uveitis in urban Australia were lower than recent studies from the United States and Europe.
Retrospective study comparing anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody plus cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy alone for stage II‐IVb nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prognostic value of EGFR and VEGF expression
Authors: Mao Linwei , Tan Jiajie , Wang Fan , Luo Yunfan , Liu Wei , Zeng Fangfang , Yu Bolong , Huang Haoran , Lu Juan , Peng Xiaohong , Liu Xiong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe benefits of adding anti‐EGFR therapy to conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain uncertain, possibly because only a subgroup of patients show better outcome. To address this issue, we compared the efficacy of CRT plus cetuximab (CTX) or nimotuzumab (NTZ) to CRT alone for stage II‐IVb NPC and examined possible prognostic indicators, including tumour EGFR and VEGR expression levels.Design, Setting and ParticipantsThis retrospective study enrolled 1812 patients at initial NPC diagnosis at Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between January 2005 and December 2015. The cetuximab or nimotuzumab plus CRT group (CRT+NTZ/CTX) and the conventional chemoradiotherapy group (CRT) were matched by propensity scoring at 1:5, yielding 282 patients at clinical stage II‐IVb with 47 in the CRT+NTZ/CTX group and 235 in the CRT group.Main outcome measuresThe endpoints of the present study were locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to investigate EGFR and VEGF expression levels in 31 patients of the CRT+NTZ/CTX group.ResultsThere were no significant differences in LRFS, DMFS and OS, haematologic toxicity reactions, and gastrointestinal reactions between CRT+NTZ/CTX and CRT groups. There was a positive correlation between EGFR and VEGF expression levels. Among CRT+NTZ/CTX patients, those with high EGFR and VEGF expression levels exhibited better DMFS.ConclusionsAddition of anti‐EGFR to cisplatin‐based CRT appears to benefit only a subset of stage II‐IVb NPC patients, those with elevated EGFR and VEGF expression levels.
Mucosal human papillomavirus detection and TP53 immunohistochemical expression in non‐melanoma skin cancer in Tunisian patients
Authors: Ben Ayed Ines , Tounsi Haifa , Jaballah Amira , Ardhaoui Monia , Maaloul Afifa , Lassili Thalja , Mezghani Najla , Abdelhak Sonia , Boubaker Samir 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have reported the oncogenic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) carcinogenesis.Considering that HPV could affect tumor protein 53 (TP53) degradation via E6 oncoprotein, we evaluated the expression of TP53 according to HPV infection and E6 expression.MethodsBiopsy specimens from 79 NMSCs (28 squamous cell carcinomas, 21 keratoacanthomas and 30 basal cell carcinomas) were enrolled. Nested PCR was used to detect mucosal HPV (mHPV) DNA. Genotyping was performed by reverse line hybridization. Expression of TP53 and E6 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsmHPVs were detected in 34.2% (27/79) of NMSC, with 92.6% (25/27) of high‐risk HPV (HR‐HPV) types. HPV16‐E6‐positive expression was observed in all HPV16‐positive samples.TP53 high expression was found in 51.4% (37/72) of specimens. In this group, 78.4% were HPV‐negative (P = 0.014). TP53 expression was negative in 8/10 of HPV E6‐positive specimens.Multivariate analysis showed that TP53 was associated with HPV infection independently of histopathologic type (P = 0.005).ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of mHPV in NMSC. Active infections assessed by E6 expression are associated with loss of p53 function, highlighting the involvement of mHPV in NMSC carcinogenesis.
A population genomics insight by 2b‐RAD reveals populations' uniqueness along the Italian coastline in Leptopsammia pruvoti (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae)
Authors: Boscari Elisa , Abbiati Marco , Badalamenti Fabio , Bavestrello Giorgio , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro , Cannas Rita , Cau Angelo , Cerrano Carlo , Chimienti Giovanni , Costantini Federica , Fraschetti Simonetta , Ingrosso Gianmarco , Marino Ilaria A. M. , Mastrototaro Francesco , Papetti Chiara , Paterno Marta , Ponti Massimo , Zane Lorenzo , Congiu Leonardo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimMarine bioconstructions such as coralligenous formations are hotspot of biodiversity and play a relevant ecological role in the preservation of biodiversity by providing carbon regulation, protection and nursery areas for several marine species. For this reason, the European Union Habitat Directive included them among priority habitats to be preserved. Although their ecological role is well established, connectivity patterns are still poorly investigated, representing a limit in conservation planning. The present study pioneers a novel approach for the analysis of connectivity in marine bioconstructor species, which often lack suitable genetic markers, by taking advantage of next‐generation sequencing techniques. We assess the geographical patterns of genomic variation of the sunset cup coral Leptopsammia pruvoti Lacaze‐Duthiers, 1897, an ahermatypic, non‐zooxanthellate and solitary scleractinian coral species common in coralligenous habitats and distributed across the Mediterranean Sea.LocationThe Italian coastline (Western and Central Mediterranean).MethodsWe applied the restriction site‐associated 2b‐RAD approach to genotype over 1,000 high‐quality and filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms in 10 population samples.ResultsThe results revealed the existence of a strongly supported genetic structure, with highly significant pairwise FST values between all the population samples, including those collected about 5 km apart from each other. Moreover, genomic data indicate that the strongest barriers to gene flow are between the western (Ligurian–Tyrrhenian Sea) and the eastern side (Adriatic Sea) of the Italian peninsula.Main conclusionsThe strong differentiation found in L. pruvoti is similar to that found in other species of marine bioconstructors investigated in this area, but it strongly contrasts with the small differences found in many fish and invertebrates at the same geographical scale. All in one, our results highlight the importance of assessing connectivity in species belonging to coralligenous habitats as, due to their limited dispersal ability, they might require specific spatial conservation measures.
Evidence of large‐scale range shift in the distribution of a Palaearctic migrant in Africa
Authors: Howes Caroline , Symes Craig T. , Byholm Patrik 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimLong‐distance Palaearctic migrant birds are declining at a faster rate than short‐distance migrant or resident species. This is often attributed to changes on their non‐breeding grounds and along their migratory routes. The European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) is a scarce migrant in southern Africa that is declining globally. This study assessed the distribution and abundance of honey buzzards in southern Africa over the past four decades and compared it to trends in the East African population to examine possible drivers of population expansion in southern Africa.LocationSouthern and East Africa.MethodsEuropean honey buzzard reporting data were collected from a variety of sources including citizen science databases (1983–2017). In addition, records of all other southern African vagrants (including ten other regularly occurring species) were gathered to account for changes in birdwatching effort in the subregion. To assess the effect of forest loss on honey buzzard abundance, rolling correlations were performed using forest cover in East Africa and number of honey buzzard records in both subregions.ResultsEuropean honey buzzard records in southern Africa have increased over five times more than other regularly occurring vagrant species and almost 40 times more than honey buzzard in Tanzania, where the population has remained stable. Loss of forested area in East Africa was correlated with an increase in European honey buzzard records in southern Africa.Main conclusionsWe suggest that the European honey buzzard shift in wintering range may be driven by a decline in suitable habitat further north in Africa amongst other possible reasons. This effect may have been amplified by an increase in appropriate habitat across southern Africa brought about by anthropogenic changes to vegetation such as increased tree cover in urban areas. This study further highlights the importance of using African distributional data banks to understand the effects of global change on Palaearctic migrant bird species.
The effect of sex and menopause on carotid intima‐media thickness and pulse wave velocity in morbid obesity
Authors: van Mil Stefanie R. , Biter L. Ulas , van de Geijn Gert Jan M. , Birnie Erwin , Dunkelgrun Martin , Ijzermans Jan N. M. , van der Meulen Noelle , Mannaerts Guido H. H. , Castro Cabezas Manuel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWomen are relatively protected from cardiovascular disease compared with men. Since morbid obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the current study investigated whether the association between sex and cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes can be demonstrated in subjects suffering from morbid obesity.Materials and methodsTwo hundred subjects enrolled in a study on cardiovascular risk factors in morbid obesity underwent extensive laboratory screening, carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements. Gender differences were analysed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. In addition, the effect of menopause on cIMT and PWV was analysed. Results of these models were reported as B coefficients with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe group consisted of 52 men and 148 women, with a mean age of 41 (±11.8) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 42.7 (±5.2) kg/m2. Both, cIMT and PWV were significantly higher in men than in women, although the difference in cIMT disappeared after adjustment for covariables such as waist circumference, age, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and mean arterial pressure. PWV was associated with sex after adjustments for covariables in morbidly obese patients. Postmenopausal women had significantly increased cIMT and PWV when compared with premenopausal women.ConclusionSex differences in PWV persist in subjects suffering from morbid obesity. However, no difference was found in cIMT between morbidly obese men and women after adjustment for classic cardiovascular risk factors. Premenopausal morbidly obese women are protected for cardiovascular disease when compared with postmenopausal morbidly obese women.
Clinical and molecular features of patients with prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis previously diagnosed as having essential thrombocythemia in Japan
Authors: Edahiro Yoko , Araki Marito , Inano Tadaaki , Ito Masafumi , Morishita Soji , Misawa Kyohei , Fukuda Yasutaka , Imai Misa , Ohsaka Akimichi , Komatsu Norio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivePrefibrotic/early primary myelofibrosis (pre‐PMF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) exhibited different features of bone marrow; however, this is not always easy to judge objectively, making pathologists’ distinction often suboptimal. In the WHO 2008 criteria, pre‐PMF was not defined as a subgroup of PMF; therefore, affected patients were at a higher risk of misdiagnosis with ET. In this study, we examined the prevalence of pre‐PMF patients among those previously diagnosed with ET in Japan.MethodWe reviewed bone marrow specimens and clinical and molecular parameters of patients who were previously diagnosed with ET by the WHO 2008 criteria.ResultsAmong 107 ET patients, 13 patients were redefined as having pre‐PMF. Pre‐PMF patients exhibited a higher frequency of MPL mutation and increased platelet counts compared to true ET patients. Molecular analysis revealed the frequencies of high‐risk molecular mutations, such as ASXL1, EZH2, and SRSF2, were significantly increased in pre‐PMF patients than those in true ET patients.ConclusionThese results demonstrated the value of reexamining clinical records for patients diagnosed with ET by the WHO 2008 criteria and emphasized that adequate examinations of patients’ bone marrow are crucial for an accurate diagnosis of pre‐PMF and ET.
Why do nocturnal grasshoppers and katydids “salute” to flash photography?
Authors: TAN Ming Kai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNocturnal animals can be sensitive to powerful light from the environment. Anthropogenically induced perturbation to natural light regimes, including ecological light pollution and flash photography, can have wide‐reaching implications on the ecology and behavior. Ecological ramifications of strong lights were traditionally focused on vertebrates although there is now more focus on invertebrates. Nonetheless, there are still unanswered questions on visual ecology and evolution, particularly on individual‐level effects and of tropical species. Specifically, how invertebrate individuals react to strong light is generally undocumented. Based on opportunistic surveys around Southeast Asia, orthopterans, spotted using concentrated torchlight and exposed to sudden strong light intensity during flash macrophotography, were observed to screen themselves by positioning their foreleg over the dorsum of the compound eye. This resembled the orthopteran “saluting” to the camera. These observations provided empirical evidence of how high intensity light can unsettle orthopterans and other insects and further ecological and evolutionary hypotheses and questions can be raised to understand the effect of light pollution.
The internet balancing formula
Authors: Susi Mart 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Internet Balancing Formula (IBF) is a mathematical instrument to increase the rational and transparent aspects of balancing conflicting human rights online. It is based on the relative weight and intensity of conflicting rights. The numerical value of these rights is arrived at by applying mathematical scales to various input elements. This formula is easy to use and could be applied globally by private online stakeholders. Robert Alexy has entered into debate with Susi, pointing out similarities and differences between his Weight Formula and the IBF, and advancing the concreteness thesis. Alexy views the Weight Formula as general and abstract, whereas the IBF is specific and particular. Both Alexy and Susi are of the opinion that such formula is highly needed to respond to the theoretical and practical uncertainties and divergent practices of online stakeholders. Susi replies to Alexy's critique in a separate article.