bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effect of Lactococcus lactis NCC 2287 in a murine model of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Holvoet S. , Doucet‐Ladevèze R. , Perrot M. , Barretto C. , Nutten S. , Blanchard C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a severe inflammatory disease of the esophagus which is characterized histologically by an eosinophilic infiltration into the esophageal tissue. The efficacy of probiotics in the context of atopic diseases has been well investigated but, to date, there has been no study which has evaluated probiotic effects on EoE inflammation. This study sought to identify a probiotic which improves esophageal inflammation in experimental EoE.MethodsTwo candidate probiotics, Lactococcus lactis NCC 2287 and Bifidobacterium lactis NCC 2818, were tested in a murine model of EoE elicited by epicutaneous sensitization with Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract. Administration of bacterial strains in drinking water was used, respectively, as a preventive or treatment measure, or continuously throughout the study. Inflammatory parameters were assessed in the esophagus, skin, and lungs after allergen challenge.ResultsIn this EoE model, supplementation with L. lactis NCC 2287 significantly decreased esophageal and bronchoalveolar eosinophilia but only when given as a therapeutic treatment. No significant effect on eosinophilia was observed when NCC 2287 was given as a preventive or a continuous intervention. NCC 2287 supplementation had no significant effect on immunoglobulin levels, skin symptom scores, or on transepidermal water loss. Supplementation with another probiotic, B. lactis NCC 2818, had no significant effect on esophageal eosinophilia.ConclusionWe identified a L. lactis strain, able to attenuate esophageal eosinophilic inflammation in a preclinical model of EoE. This effect is strain specific and depends on the timing and duration of bacterial supplementation. Confirmation of these observations in human clinical trials is warranted.
Is phytoestrogen intake associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer? A systematic review of epidemiological studies based on 17,546 cases
Authors: Zhang M. , Wang K. , Chen L. , Yin B. , Song Y. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThis study uses current epidemiological data to evaluate whether phytoestrogen intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. We performed a random‐effect meta‐analysis of published data retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and CNKI, which was supplemented by a manual search of relevant references. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was evaluated to assess the stability of the results. Egger's test and funnel plots were used to detect the existence of publication bias. We retrieved 507 papers, and 29 studies were ultimately confirmed as eligible. The meta‐analysis showed that phytoestrogen intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66–0.88; I2 = 77.6%). The food/nutritional sources that were significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer included soy and soy products, tofu, legumes, daidzein, and genistein. Subgroup analysis indicated that the associations were significant among Asians and Caucasians, but not among Africans. Meta‐regression revealed that the pooled OR increased with the number of cases in the studies. The results might be affected by publication bias based on the Eggers’ test (p = 0.011) and the asymmetry of the funnel plot. Phytoestrogen intake may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in Asians and Caucasians. Regular intake of food that is rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy/soy products or legumes, should be recommended.
Important prognostic significance of lymph node density in patients with node positive oral tongue cancer
Authors: Lieng Hester , Gebski Val J. , Morgan Gary J. , Veness Michael J. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundLymph node density (LND) has been described as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of LND in patients with node positive oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).MethodsPatients with pathological node positive OTSCC were identified in a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. The optimal cut‐point for LND was determined using the minimum P‐value method and the log‐rank test. The impact of this LND cut‐point on time to disease progression and overall survival was determined.ResultsIn 72 patients with OTSCC, an LND of 14.3% was found to have the greatest separation using the log‐rank test (P < 0.001). LND ≤14.3% was predicted for longer time to disease progression with a median time of 73 months compared to 9.4 months in patients with an LND >14.3% (hazard ratio: 3.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.76–6.70; P < 0.001). LND was also a significant predictor of overall survival with a median overall survival with LND ≤14.3% of 82.3 months, compared with 14.7 months in patients with an LND >14.3% (hazard ratio: 3.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.61–6.68; P = 0.001). Patients with an LND >14.3% experienced a higher rate of regional recurrence.ConclusionOur findings confirm the prognostic significance of LND in patients with node positive OTSCC, with a similar LND cut‐point value to other published series. Improving regional control in these high‐risk patients may improve outcome.
Geographical variation in the management of urolithiasis in Australia
Authors: Tran Minh A. , Chak‐Lee Ming , Bariol Simon V. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundTo examine any geographical variation in the management of urolithiasis amongst the Australian states and territories.MethodsRetrospective study with data obtained from the Medicare Australia database, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand.ResultsMinimally invasive stone treatment with shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) accounted for the majority of stone treatments in Australia (98%). Variation of stone treatment modalities exists amongst the Australian states and territories with an inverse relationship between the use of SWL and URS. We compared Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD) which have a comparable geographical area. SWL accounts for 1% and 22% of stone treatments in WA and QLD, respectively. In WA, urologists are concentrated in two cities with no SWL available in the private sector. In QLD, urologists are distributed in 11 cities with SWL available in both the public and private sector. The three largest states or territories by geographical area – the Northern Territory, WA and QLD – have stone treatment rates of 1:1337, 1:1110 and 1:2432 per capita of privately insured patients, respectively. In comparison, smaller Australian states/territories such as Tasmania and Victoria have stone treatment rates of 1:619 and 1:765 per capita of privately insured patients, respectively.ConclusionThe distribution of urologists and treatment modalities available in each state or territory appear to play a contributory role in choice of treatment modality. In addition, inequality to stone treatment access exists in geographically large Australian states/territories.
Haemodiafiltration at increased plasma ionic strength for improved protein‐bound toxin removal
Authors: Krieter D. H. , Devine E. , Körner T. , Rüth M. , Wanner C. , Raine M. , Jankowski J. , Lemke H.‐D. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimProtein‐bound uraemic toxin accumulation causes uraemia‐associated cardiovascular morbidity. Enhancing the plasma ionic strength releases toxins from protein binding and makes them available for removal during dialysis. This concept was implemented through high sodium concentrations ([Na+]) in the substituate of pre‐dilution haemodiafiltration at increased plasma ionic strength (HDF‐IPIS).MethodsEx vivo HDF‐IPIS with blood tested increasing [Na+] to demonstrate efficacy and haemocompatibility. Haemocompatibility was further assessed in sheep using two different HDF‐IPIS set‐ups and [Na+] between 350 and 600 mmol L−1. Safety and efficacy of para‐cresyl sulphate (pCS) and indoxyl sulphate (IS) removal was further investigated in a randomized clinical pilot trial comparing HDF‐IPIS to HD and HDF.ResultsCompared to [Na+] of 150 mmol L−1, ex vivo HDF‐IPIS at 500 mmol L−1 demonstrated up to 50% higher IS removal. Haemolysis in sheep was low even at [Na+] of 600 mmol L−1 (free Hb 0.016 ± 0.001 g dL−1). In patients, compared to HD, a [Na+] of 240 mmol L−1 in HDF‐IPIS resulted in 40% greater reduction (48.7 ± 23.6 vs. 67.8 ± 7.9%; P = 0.013) in free IS. Compared to HD and HDF (23.0 ± 14.8 and 25.4 ± 10.5 mL min−1), the dialytic clearance of free IS was 31.6 ± 12.8 mL min−1 (P = 0.017) in HDF‐IPIS, but [Na+] in arterial blood increased from 132 ± 2 to 136 ± 3 mmol L−1 (0 vs. 240 min; P < 0.001).ConclusionHDF‐IPIS is technically and clinically feasible. More effective HDF‐IPIS requires higher temporary plasma [Na+], but dialysate [Na+] has to be appropriately adapted to avoid sodium accumulation.
Initiation of strong prescription opioids in Australia: cohort characteristics and factors associated with the type of opioid initiated
Authors: Gisev Natasa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Blanch Bianca , Larance Briony , Dobbins Timothy , Larney Sarah , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: June 2016

AimsTo describe the characteristics of Australians initiating strong opioids and examine the factors associated with the type of opioid initiated.MethodsPharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing records were extracted for a 10% sample of people who initiated a strong opioid treatment episode (buprenorphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone) between 29 September 2009 and 31 December 2013, as evidenced by the absence of a strong opioid dispensing for at least 90 days. The cohort was restricted to people with complete medicines ascertainment. Socio‐demographic characteristics, previous dispensing histories and index opioid use were examined. Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the factors associated with the type of opioid medicine initiated, relative to oxycodone.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 125 335 people: 58.3% were female and 63.7% were aged ≥65 years. The most commonly initiated strong opioid was oxycodone (72.8%), usually 5 mg immediate‐release tablets (76.1%). Compared to people aged 18–44 years, those ≥85 years were 14.18 times as likely (95% CI 12.67–15.87) to initiate morphine than oxycodone. Compared to people without a cancer treatment history, those with a cancer treatment history were 2.34 times as likely (95% CI 2.11–2.60) to initiate morphine than oxycodone.ConclusionsThe most commonly initiated strong opioid was oxycodone, usually at lower strengths. Those who initiated oxycodone were more likely to be younger with no previous cancer treatment history. As these are high‐risk characteristics for potential harms, a judicious approach when initiating strong opioids for this group is necessary.
Determinants of hepatotoxicity after repeated supratherapeutic paracetamol ingestion: systematic review of reported cases
Authors: Acheampong Paul , Thomas Simon H. L. 
Published: June 2016

AimsTo evaluate the role of reported daily dose, age and other risk factors, and to assess the value of quantifying serum transaminase activity and paracetamol (acetaminophen) concentration at initial assessment for identifying patients at risk of hepatotoxicity following repeated supratherapeutic paracetamol ingestion (RSPI).MethodsSystematic literature review with collation and analysis of individual‐level data from reported cases of RSPI associated with liver damage.ResultsIn 199 cases meeting the selection criteria, severe liver damage (ALT/AST ≥1000 IU l−1, liver failure or death) was reported in 186 (93%) cases including 77/78 (99%) children aged ≤6 years. Liver failure occurred in 127 (64%) cases; of these 49 (39%) died. Maximum ingested daily paracetamol doses were above UK recommendations in 143 (72%) patients. US–Australasian thresholds for repeated supratherapeutic ingestions requiring intervention were not met in 71 (36%) cases; of these 35 (49%) developed liver failure and 10 (14%) died. No cases developing liver damage had paracetamol concentration < 20 mg l−1 and a normal ALT/AST on initial presentation or when RSPI was first suspected, but both of these values were only available for 79 (40%) cases.ConclusionsSevere liver damage is reported after RSPI in adults and children, sometimes involving reported doses below current thresholds for intervention. Paracetamol concentrations <20 mg l−1 with normal serum ALT/AST activity on initial assessment suggests a low risk of subsequent liver damage. These findings are, however, limited by low patient numbers, publication bias and the accuracy of the histories in reported cases.
Adrenal insufficiency in patients on long‐term opioid analgesia
Authors: Gibb Fraser W. , Stewart Alexandra , Walker Brian R. , Strachan Mark W. J. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveOpioid analgesia has been implicated as a cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency, but little is known of the prevalence of this potentially serious adverse effect in patients with chronic pain.DesignCross‐sectional study of chronic pain patients on long‐term opioid analgesia.PatientsPatients attending tertiary chronic pain clinics at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, treated with long‐term opioid analgesia (n = 48) with no recent exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids.ResultsFour patients (8·3%) had basal morning plasma cortisol concentrations below 100 nmol/l, of whom three failed to achieve a satisfactory cortisol response to exogenous ACTH1‐24 stimulation (peak cortisol >430 nmol/l). Basal cortisol was positively associated with age (R = 0·398, P = 0·005) and negatively associated with BMI (R = −0·435, P = 0·002).ConclusionsSuppression of the hypothalamic−pituitary−adrenal axis is present in a clinically significant proportion of chronic pain patients treated with opioid analgesia. Studies of larger populations should be conducted to better define the prevalence and potential clinical consequences of adrenal insufficiency in this context.
Early pregnancy thyroid hormone reference ranges in Chilean women: the influence of body mass index
Authors: Mosso Lorena , Martínez Alejandra , Rojas María Paulina , Latorre Gonzalo , Margozzini Paula , Lyng Trinidad , Carvajal Jorge , Campusano Claudia , Arteaga Eugenio , Boucai Laura 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveThyroid dysfunction and obesity during pregnancy have been associated with negative neonatal and obstetric outcomes. Thyroid hormone reference ranges have not been established for the pregnant Hispanic population. This study defines thyroid hormone reference ranges during early pregnancy in Chilean women and evaluates associations of body mass index (BMI) with thyroid function.Design, patients, measurementsThis is a prospective observational study of 720 healthy Chilean women attending their first prenatal consultation at an outpatient clinic. Thyroid function [TSH, Free T4, Total T4 and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)] and BMI were assessed at 8·8 ± 2·4 weeks of gestational age.ResultsMedian, 2·5th percentile (p2·5), and 97·5th percentile (p97·5) TSH values were higher, while median, p2·5, and p97·5 free T4 values were lower in obese patients compared with normal weight patients. Obesity was associated with a median TSH 16% higher (P = 0·035) and a median free T4 6·5% lower (P < 0·01) than values from patients with normal weight. BMI had a small, but statistically significant effect on TSH (P = 0·04) and free T4 (P < 0·01) when adjusted by maternal age, TPO antibodies, parity, sex of the newborn, gestational age and smoking. In all TPOAb (‐) patients, median (p2·5‐p.97·5) TSH was 1·96 mIU/l (0·11–5·96 mIU/l) and median (p2·5‐p.97·5) free T4 was 14·54 pmol/l (11·1 – 19·02 pmol/l). Applying these reference limits, we found a prevalence of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism of 0·9% and 3·05% respectively.ConclusionsTSH distributes at higher values and free T4 at lower values in obese pregnant women compared to normal weight pregnant women. Thyroid hormone reference ranges derived from Chilean patients with negative TPOAb are different from the fixed internationally proposed reference ranges and may be used in the Hispanic population.
Efficacy of parent‐delivered behavioral therapy for primary complex motor stereotypies
Authors: Specht Matthew W , Mahone E Mark , Kline Tina , Waranch Richard , Brabson Laurel , Thompson Carol B , Singer Harvey S 
Published: June 2016

AimPrimary complex motor stereotypies (CMS) are persistent, patterned, repetitive, rhythmic movements in young people with typical development. This study evaluated the efficacy of an instructional DVD as a home‐based, parent‐administered, behavioral therapy for primary CMS.MethodEighty‐one children with primary CMS were enrolled. Primary outcome measures included the Stereotypy Severity Scale (SSS) – Motor and Impairment scores, and Stereotypy Linear Analog Scale (SLAS). Mean CMS onset was 13.4 months (SD 13.1). Eligibility required observed CMS. Psychiatric disorders were not exclusionary and a stable medication regimen was required. Intellectual disability, neurological disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and tics were exclusionary. Initial assessments were completed via REDCap before receipt of the DVD. Fifty‐four of the 81 children (34 male, 20 female; mean age 8y 2mo, SD 1.42, range 7–14y) completed assessments at 1, 2, or 3 months after receiving the DVD.ResultsReductions (baseline to last assessment) in SSS Motor, SSS Impairment, and SLAS scores (all p<0.001) represented change ratios of −15%, −24%, and a −20% respectively. Greatest relative treatment benefit was observed by younger children (ages 7–8y), and by 1 month after receipt of DVD, while a parent global assessment scale showed progressive improvement throughout the study.InterpretationAn instructional DVD for parent‐delivered behavioral therapy was a safe, effective intervention for primary CMS.
Remittances during crises
Authors: Koczan Zsoka 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper begins by examining the characteristics and determinants of remittances sent from Germany to ex‐Yugoslavia, and then takes a first look at how they were affected by the war and later political and economic crises in the first half of the 1990s. The findings tentatively suggest that the propensity to send among ex‐Yugoslavs increased in the early 1990s, despite a breakdown in formal remittance channels and in contrast with the roughly stable and even decreasing propensity to send among Turkish guest workers.
Impact of rosiglitazone safety alerts on oral antidiabetic sales trends: a countrywide study in Portugal
Authors: Herdeiro Maria T. , Soares Sara , Silva Tânia , Roque Fátima , Figueiras Adolfo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPharmacovigilance systems are important to monitor the safety of on‐market drugs after approval. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of rosiglitazone safety alerts on trends in the sale of rosiglitazone and other oral antidiabetic drugs. An ecological study was conducted, using temporally aggregated data and linking safety alerts to countrywide sales of all oral antidiabetic drugs in Portugal from January 2002 to December 2012. Sales figures for oral antidiabetic drugs marketed in Portugal were supplied by IMS Health Portugal with a breakdown by active substance and fixed combinations. The number of defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DIDs) of each oral antidiabetic drug sold to the estimated diabetic population using oral antidiabetic drugs in Portugal was calculated. Particular attention was paid to the case of rosiglitazone, with the results being adjusted for changes in rosiglitazone reimbursement policies. A total of four safety alerts were issued about rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone sales registered an increase of 32.9% (0.202 DIDs; P < 0.001) after the first alert (risk of macular oedema or worsening of pre‐existent macular oedema) in January 2006. After subsequent alerts about cardiovascular risks, this trend was not, however, repeated and sales fell. Following the January 2006 and January 2008 safety alerts, rosiglitazone sales described a long‐term downward trend, with decreases of 3.75% (−0023 DIDs; P > 0.05) and 0.24% (−0.001 DIDs; P > 0.05), respectively. It is important to promote the dissemination and publication of drug safety alerts.
RubisCO selection using the vigorously aerobic and metabolically versatile bacterium Ralstonia eutropha
Authors: Satagopan Sriram , Tabita F. Robert 
Published: June 2016

Recapturing atmospheric CO2 is key to reducing global warming and increasing biological carbon availability. Ralstonia eutropha is a biotechnologically useful aerobic bacterium that uses the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle and the enzyme ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) for CO2 utilization, suggesting that it may be a useful host to bioselect RubisCO molecules with improved CO2‐capture capabilities. A host strain of R. eutropha was constructed for this purpose after deleting endogenous genes encoding two related RubisCOs. This strain could be complemented for CO2‐dependent growth by introducing native or heterologous RubisCO genes. Mutagenesis and suppressor selection identified amino acid substitutions in a hydrophobic region that specifically influences RubisCO's interaction with its substrates, particularly O2, which competes with CO2 at the active site. Unlike most RubisCOs, the R. eutropha enzyme has evolved to retain optimal CO2‐fixation rates in a fast‐growing host, despite the presence of high levels of competing O2. Yet its structure‐function properties resemble those of several commonly found RubisCOs, including the higher plant enzymes, allowing strategies to engineer analogous enzymes. Because R. eutropha can be cultured rapidly under harsh environmental conditions (e.g., with toxic industrial flue gas), in the presence of near saturation levels of oxygen, artificial selection and directed evolution studies in this organism could potentially impact efforts toward improving RubisCO‐dependent biological CO2 utilization in aerobic environments.Enzymesd‐ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, EC 4.1.1.39; phosphoribulokinase, EC 2.7.1.19