bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid synthesis and thermoelectric properties of clathrate Ba8Cu6Ge15Si25 by high temperature and high pressure
Authors: Sun Bing , Jia Xiaopeng , Huo Dexuan , Sun Hairui , Zhang Yuewen , Liu Binwu , Liu Haiqiang , Kong Lingjiao , Ma Hongan 
Published: March 2016

Ba8Cu6Ge[Formula: see text]Si[Formula: see text] were successfully synthesized by a simple high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) method to investigate the microstructures and thermoelectric (TE) properties. After high pressure synthesis, a highly dense bulk material with lots of fine-layered structure, lattice defects and disorders has been obtained. As expected, the thermal conductivity decreased greatly and the ZT value has been improved significantly, which reaches up to 0.43 at around 773 K. Comparing with other methods, HPHT could shorten the synthesis time from several days to half an hour. It reveals that the HPHT method will become an effective approach for optimizing the TE performance of these materials.
Capsule Endoscopy: A Single Centre Experience with the First 226 Capsules
Authors: Enns R , Go K , Chang H , Pluta K 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Capsule endoscopy (CE) refers to a novel diagnostic method of imaging the gastrointestinal tract using a wireless capsule that transmits images to a data recorder while the device traverses the small intestine.OBJECTIVE:To review the authors' experience with CE to determine the indications, outcomes and management of positive findings.METHODS:Patients were prepared for CE with a single dose of magnesium citrate. Following an 8 h fast, a sensor array system was applied to the abdomen, the capsule was swallowed and the images were transmitted to a data recorder worn on the patient's side. Typically, the battery life of the capsule is 8 h, following which the data recorder is returned, downloaded to a computer workstation and reviewed.RESULTS:To date, 226 capsule studies have been performed in 209 patients. The indications included obscure bleeding (167 studies: 88 overt, 79 occult), anemia (14 studies), evaluation for inflammatory bowel disease (12 studies), screening for polyps (10 studies), pain (19 studies) and abnormal radiological imaging (4 studies). In the setting of obscure bleeding, a definitive source of bleeding was discovered in 85 studies. This included angiodysplasia (52 studies), mitotic lesions (10 studies) and ulcers (23 studies). A probable source of bleeding was found in another 10 capsule studies. In the setting of anemia without evidence of bleeding, the definitive findings included ulcers (three studies), angiodysplasia (two studies), mitotic lesions (one study) and celiac disease (one study). Of four patients with abnormal radiological imaging, CE demonstrated lesions in two. The results of 35 capsule studies led to laparotomy with curative surgical resection. In eight studies, the capsules became lodged within a stricture; none led to obstruction and three were managed endoscopically.CONCLUSION:The yield of CE in carefully selected patients with obscure bleeding approximates 51%. There appear to be few complications, and patient satisfaction appears high. Cost analysis and further studies of clinical outcomes are required to elucidate appropriate indications for this device.
Second-Generation Recombinant Hemoglobin Molecules Do Not Stimulate Sphincter of Oddi, Gallbladder, or Duodenal Motility in the Australian Brush-Tailed Possum
Authors: Takahata Shunichi , Konomi Hiroyuki , Schloithe Ann C , Toouli James , Saccone Gino TP 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Several studies have investigated the effects of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers on gastrointestinal motility. Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin reduces sphincter of Oddi trans-sphincteric flow and increases duodenal motility in the Australian brush-tailed possum, effects attributed to nitric oxide (NO) scavenging. Recently, second-generation recombinant hemoglobin molecules with reduced NO scavenging ability have been developed.AIM:To determine the effects of two second-generation recombinant hemoglobin solutions and the prototype recombinant hemoglobin with high NO binding, on duodenal and biliary motility in the Australian brush-tailed possum.METHOD:Blood pressure; duodenal, sphincter of Oddi and gallbladder motility; and trans-sphincteric flow were recorded. The effects of recombinant hemoglobin or human serum albumin (control) solutions on these parameters were investigated. Each solution was infused intravenously at 1 mL/kg/min to deliver 250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg.RESULTS:Duodenal contraction frequency was stimulated by the high dose of prototype recombinant hemoglobin, but not by a comparable dose of second-generation recombinant hemoglobin. The induced duodenal activity occurred in the later phase of the experimental period. In contrast, biliary motility and trans-sphincteric flow were not altered by any hemoglobin solution. The high dose of all the hemoglobin solutions elevated blood pressure, whereas the low dose solutions did not alter any parameter measured.CONCLUSION:At the doses studied, the second-generation recombinant hemoglobin with reduced NO binding capacity did not significantly alter duodenal and biliary motility, supporting the need for further studies to evaluate their potential usefulness as blood substitutes.
Patterns of Use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in a Canadian Province
Authors: Hilsden Robert J , Romagnuolo Joseph , May Gary R 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Data on current endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) practice patterns drawn from large population-based samples are limited.METHODS:Patterns of ERCP use were determined using billing records for ERCP, sphincterotomy, stone extraction or stent placement performed between April 1, 1994 and March 31, 2002 in Alberta from a population-based administrative database. Age-sex adjusted rates (per 1000 population) were calculated using the 1991 Canadian population as the standard.RESULTS:The eight-year average ERCP rate was 0.98 without evidence of an increasing or decreasing trend over time. The ERCP rate was 0.85 in men and 1.12 in women. Significant regional variation in ERCP rates was seen, ranging from a low of 0.64 to a high of 1.27. The proportion of procedures that were therapeutic increased from 33% in 1994 to 70% in 2001. The likelihood of a procedure being considered therapeutic varied with the age and sex of the patient as well as the health region in which the procedure was performed.CONCLUSIONS:The ERCP rate remained relatively stable over an eight-year time period, but the proportion of procedures that were therapeutic increased dramatically. Important regional variation in ERCP rates and therapeutic procedures exists.
Advanced Colon Cancer Before the Age of 20 Years: A Case for Extension of the Current Colonscopy Surveillance Guidelines in Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Syndrome
Authors: Wong Victor K , Yoshida Eric M , Ryan Anthony G , Ho Stephen GF , Salh Baljinder 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) currently accounts for between 2% to 6% of all colorectal adenocarcinomas. Controversies exist regarding the current guidelines for colonoscopic screening for colon cancer.CASE REPORT:A case of colon cancer in a young Japanese man with a family history of colon cancer that did not meet the criteria for HNPCC is reported. A malignant pelvic mass discovered shortly before his 20th birthday prompted a colonoscopy. The findings at colonscopy determined that the patient and his family fulfilled the criteria of HNPCC.CONCLUSION:Before finding a pelvic mass metastatic from adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon, this patient was clearly outside of the current guidelines for HNPCC screening. It is suggested that in similar patients, even if they do not fulfill all the criteria for HNPCC, it would be appropriate to consider screening well before the recommended lower age.
Somatostatin versus octreotide in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatic fistulas
Authors: Leandros Emanuel , Antonakis Pantelis T , Albanopoulos Konstantinos , Dervenis Chris , Konstadoulakis Manousos M 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Gastrointestinal and pancreatic fistulas are characterized as serious complications following abdominal surgery, with a reported incidence of up to 27% and 46%, respectively. Fistula formation results in prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidity/mortality and increased treatment costs. Conservative and surgical approaches are both employed in the management of these fistulas. The purpose of the present study was to assess, evaluate and compare the potential clinical benefit and cost effectiveness of pharmacotherapy (somatostatin versus its analogue octreotide) versus conventional therapy.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Fifty-one patients with gastrointestinal or pancreatic fistulas were randomized to three treatment groups: 19 patients received 6000 IU/day of somatostatin intravenously, 17 received 100 µg of octreotide three times daily subcutaneously and 15 patients received only standard medical treatment.RESULTS:The fistula closure rate was 84% in the somatostatin group, 65% in the octreotide group and 27% in the control group. These differences were of statistical significance (P=0.007). Overall mortality rate was less than 5% and statistically significant differences in mortality among the three groups could not be established. Overall, treatment with somatostatin and octreotide was more cost effective than conventional therapy (control group), and somatostatin was more cost effective than octreotide. The average hospital stay was 21.6 days, 27.0 and 31.5 days for the somatostatin, octreotide and control groups, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:Data suggest that pharmacotherapy reduces the costs involved in fistula management (by reducing hospitalization) and also offers increased spontaneous closure rate. Further prospective studies focusing on the above parameters are needed to demonstrate the clinicoeconomic benefits.
Ethical Issues in Canadian Gastroenterology: Resluts of a Survey of Canadian Gastroenterology Trainees
Authors: Malhotra Kenneth , Ottaway Clifford A 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Specialty-specific bioethical education is a mandated component of gastroenterology training programs in Canada, but no gastroenterology-specific bioethical curriculum is available.PURPOSE:To assess the relative importance of a variety of bioethical issues to the practice of gastroenterology.METHOD:A convenience sample of Canadian gastroenterology residents and staff was surveyed at a national meeting for Canadian gastroenterology trainees. They were asked to indicate their opinions of the relative importance of 24 different bioethical issues in their practice of gastroenterology.RESULTS:Respondents made distinctions in the relevance of different bioethical issues to the practice of gastroenterology and there was substantial concordance in the rankings indicated by residents and staff. Truth telling, consent and the capacity to give consent, and consent with regard to specific endoscopic procedures were ranked by both residents and staff as most important to their practice of gastroenterology. In contrast, the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide was ranked near the bottom of the list by both residents and staff. The results differ in some respects from the key ethical questions identified by opinion leaders in gastroenterology.INTERPRETATION:Gastroenterology residents and staff identify some topics as much more relevant than others to the practice of gastroenterology. It is proposed that this can provide a framework for developing a gastroenterology-specific bioethical curriculum, and that there is an important opportunity for developing a joint program through collaboration among gastroenterology training programs across Canada.
Disulfiram when Combined with Copper Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Temozolomide for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Lun Xueqing , Wells J. Connor , Grinshtein Natalie , King Jennifer C. , Hao Xiaoguang , Dang Ngoc-Ha , Wang Xiuling , Aman Ahmed , Uehling David , Datti Alessandro , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Easaw Jacob C. , Luchman Artee , Weiss Samuel , Cairncross J. Gregory , Kaplan David R. , Robbins Stephen M. , Senger Donna L. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal cancers in humans, and with existing therapy, survival remains at 14.6 months. Current barriers to successful treatment include their infiltrative behavior, extensive tumor heterogeneity, and the presence of a stem-like population of cells, termed brain tumor–initiating cells (BTIC) that confer resistance to conventional therapies.
Experimental Design: To develop therapeutic strategies that target BTICs, we focused on a repurposing approach that explored already-marketed (clinically approved) drugs for therapeutic potential against patient-derived BTICs that encompass the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of glioblastoma observed clinically.
Results: Using a high-throughput in vitro drug screen, we found that montelukast, clioquinol, and disulfiram (DSF) were cytotoxic against a large panel of patient-derived BTICs. Of these compounds, disulfiram, an off-patent drug previously used to treat alcoholism, in the presence of a copper supplement, showed low nanomolar efficacy in BTICs including those resistant to temozolomide and the highly infiltrative quiescent stem-like population. Low dose DSF-Cu significantly augmented temozolomide activity in vitro, and importantly, prolonged in vivo survival in patient-derived BTIC models established from both newly diagnosed and recurrent tumors. Moreover, we found that in addition to acting as a potent proteasome inhibitor, DSF-Cu functionally impairs DNA repair pathways and enhances the effects of DNA alkylating agents and radiation. These observations suggest that DSF-Cu inhibits proteasome activity and augments the therapeutic effects of DNA-damaging agents (temozolomide and radiation).
Conclusions: DSF-Cu should be considered as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma in both newly diagnosed and recurrent settings. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3860–75. ©2016 AACR.
Early Events in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Kadara Humam , Scheet Paul , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Spira Avrum E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The majority of cancer-related deaths in the United States and worldwide are attributed to lung cancer. There are more than 90 million smokers in the United States who represent a significant population at elevated risk for lung malignancy. In other epithelial tumors, it has been shown that if neoplastic lesions can be detected and treated at their intraepithelial stage, patient prognosis is significantly improved. Thus, new strategies to detect and treat lung preinvasive lesions are urgently needed in order to decrease the overwhelming public health burden of lung cancer. Limiting these advances is a poor knowledge of the earliest events that underlie lung cancer development and that would constitute markers and targets for early detection and prevention. This review summarizes the state of knowledge of human lung cancer pathogenesis and the molecular pathology of premalignant lung lesions, with a focus on the molecular premalignant field that associates with lung cancer development. Lastly, we highlight new approaches and models to study genome-wide alterations in human lung premalignancy in order to facilitate the discovery of new markers for early detection and prevention of this fatal disease. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 518–27. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating Biomarkers of Dairy Fat and Risk of Incident Diabetes Mellitus Among Men and Women in the United States in Two Large Prospective Cohorts
Authors: Yakoob Mohammad Y. , Shi Peilin , Willett Walter C. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Campos Hannia , Orav E. John , Hu Frank B. , Mozaffarian Dariush 
Published: March 2016

Background—
In prospective studies, the relationship of self-reported consumption of dairy foods with risk of diabetes mellitus is inconsistent. Few studies have assessed dairy fat, using circulating biomarkers, and incident diabetes mellitus. We tested the hypothesis that circulating fatty acid biomarkers of dairy fat, 15:0, 17:0, and t-16:1n-7, are associated with lower incident diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results—

Among 3333 adults aged 30 to 75 years and free of prevalent diabetes mellitus at baseline, total plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids were measured in blood collected in 1989 to 1990 (Nurses’ Health Study) and 1993 to 1994 (Health Professionals Follow-Up Study). Incident diabetes mellitus through 2010 was confirmed by a validated supplementary questionnaire based on symptoms, diagnostic tests, and medications. Risk was assessed by using Cox proportional hazards, with cohort findings combined by meta-analysis. During mean±standard deviation follow-up of 15.2±5.6 years, 277 new cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed. In pooled multivariate analyses adjusting for demographics, metabolic risk factors, lifestyle, diet, and other circulating fatty acids, individuals with higher plasma 15:0 had a 44% lower risk of diabetes mellitus (quartiles 4 versus 1, hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.86;
P
-trend=0.01); higher plasma 17:0, 43% lower risk (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.83;
P
-trend=0.01); and higher t-16:1n-7, 52% lower risk (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.70;
P
-trend <0.001). Findings were similar for erythrocyte 15:0, 17:0, and t-16:1n-7, although with broader confidence intervals that only achieved statistical significance for 17:0.

Conclusions—
In 2 prospective cohorts, higher plasma dairy fatty acid concentrations were associated with lower incident diabetes mellitus. Results were similar for erythrocyte 17:0. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the potential health effects of dairy fat, and the dietary and metabolic determinants of these fatty acids.
Trends in Mortality From Ischemic Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease in Europe
Authors: Hartley Adam , Marshall Dominic C. , Salciccioli Justin D. , Sikkel Markus B. , Maruthappu Mahiben , Shalhoub Joseph 
Published: March 2016

Background—
Trends in cardiovascular mortality across Europe demonstrate significant geographical variation, and an understanding of these trends has a central role in global public health.

Methods and Results—

Ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease age-standardized death rates (as per
International Classification of Diseases
, ninth and tenth revisions) were collated from the World Health Organization mortality database for member states of the European Union. Trends were characterized by using Joinpoint regression analysis. An overall trend for reduction in ischemic heart disease mortality was observed, most pronounced in Western Europe (>60% for the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Ireland) for both sexes from 1980 to 2009. Eastern European states, Romania, Croatia, and Slovakia, had modest mortality reductions. Most recently (2009), Lithuania had the highest mortality for males and females (318.1/100 000 and 166.1/100 000, respectively), followed by Latvia and Slovakia. France had the lowest mortality: 39.8/100 000 for males and 14.7/100 000 for females. Analysis of cerebrovascular disease mortality revealed that Austria had the largest reduction for both sexes (76.8% males, 76.5% females) from 1980 to 2009. The smallest improvement over this period was seen in Lithuania, Poland, and Cyprus (–5% to +20% approximately). France has the lowest present-day cerebrovascular disease mortality for both males and females (23.9/100 000 and 17.3/100 000, respectively).

Conclusions—
There is a growing disparity in cardiovascular mortality between Western and Eastern Europe, for which diverse explanations are discussed. The need for population-wide health promotion and primary prevention policies is emphasized.
Fatty Acid Metabolic Defects and Right Ventricular Lipotoxicity in Human Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Brittain Evan L. , Talati Megha , Fessel Joshua P. , Zhu He , Penner Niki , Calcutt M. Wade , West James D. , Funke Mitch , Lewis Gregory D. , Gerszten Robert E. , Hamid Rizwan , Pugh Meredith E. , Austin Eric D. , Newman John H. , Hemnes Anna R. 
Published: March 2016

Background—
The mechanisms of right ventricular (RV) failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are poorly understood. Abnormalities in fatty acid (FA) metabolism have been described in experimental models of PAH, but systemic and myocardial FA metabolism has not been studied in human PAH.

Methods and Results—

We used human blood, RV tissue, and noninvasive imaging to characterize multiple steps in the FA metabolic pathway in PAH subjects and controls. Circulating free FAs and long-chain acylcarnitines were elevated in PAH patients versus controls. Human RV long-chain FAs were increased and long-chain acylcarnitines were markedly reduced in PAH versus controls. With the use of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in vivo myocardial triglyceride content was elevated in human PAH versus controls (1.4±1.3% triglyceride versus 0.22±0.11% triglyceride,
P
=0.02). Ceramide, a mediator of lipotoxicity, was increased in PAH RVs versus controls. Using an animal model of heritable PAH, we demonstrated reduced FA oxidation via failure of palmitoylcarnitine to stimulate oxygen consumption in the PAH RV.

Conclusions—
Abnormalities in FA metabolism can be detected in the blood and myocardium in human PAH and are associated with in vivo cardiac steatosis and lipotoxicity. Murine data suggest that lipotoxicity may arise from reduction in FA oxidation.
An Approach to Working Up Cases of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Ryoo Sookyung , Chung Jong‐Won , Lee Mi Ji , Kim Suk Jae , Lee Jin Soo , Kim Gyeong‐Moon , Chung Chin‐Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Hong Ji Man , Bang Oh Young 
Published: March 2016

Background
From a therapeutic viewpoint, it is important to differentiate the underlying causes of embolism in patients with cryptogenic stroke, such as aortic arch atheroma, patent foramen ovale, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. We investigated the clinical and radiological characteristics of these 3 common causes of cryptogenic embolism to develop models for decision making in etiologic workups.

Methods and Results

A total of 321 consecutive patients with acute infarcts from cryptogenic embolism were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups—aortic arch atheroma (n=40), patent foramen ovale (n=153), and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=128)—based on extensive cardiologic workups. We used a multinomial logistic regression analysis to detect the clinical and diffusion‐weighted imaging factors associated with the probability of aortic arch atheroma, patent foramen ovale, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Clinical and radiological features differed among the groups. The patent foramen ovale group had a healthy vascular risk factor profile and showed posterior circulation involvement compared with other groups (
P
<0.01). In contrast, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation–related strokes had higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and larger lesions than the other groups (
P
<0.001). The aortic arch atheroma group had clinical features similar to those of the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group but showed small lesions scattered in multiple vascular territories (
P
<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, initial
NIHSS
score, lesion size (≥20 mm), multiple (≥3) lesions, and involvement of posterior circulation or multiple vascular territories differentiated the 3 groups (pseudo,
R
2
=0.656). The prediction ability of this model was validated in the external validation cohort (n=117, area under the curve 0.78).

Conclusions
Our data indicate that patients with cryptogenic embolic stroke show distinct clinical and radiological features depending on the underlying causes.