bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACTH and gonadotropin deficiencies predict mortality in patients treated for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma: long‐term follow‐up of 519 patients in two large European centres
Authors: O'Reilly Michael W. , Reulen Raoul C. , Gupta Saket , Thompson Claire A. , Dineen Rosemary , Goulden Eirena L. , Bugg Gabriella , Pearce Harriet , Toogood Andy A. , Gittoes Neil J. , Mitchell Rosalind , Thompson Christopher J. , Ayuk John 
Published: June 2016

SummaryContext and ObjectiveNonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are the most common subtype of pituitary tumour. Hypopituitarism is observed in NFPAs due to tumour‐ or treatment‐related factors and may increase mortality risk. Here, we analysed the associations of hypopituitarism, hormone replacement and mortality in a large NFPA cohort derived from two large European centres.Design, Setting and ParticipantsCase note review of all patients treated for NFPA in University Hospitals Birmingham and Beaumont Hospital Dublin between 1999 and 2014 was performed.Main Outcome MeasuresClinical presentation, treatment strategies, pituitary function and vitality status were recorded in each patient. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to examine the association between hypopituitarism, hormone replacement and premature mortality.ResultsA total of 519 patients were included in the analysis. Median duration of follow‐up was 7·0 years (0·5–43). A total of 81 deaths were recorded (15·6%). On multivariate analysis, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and gonadotropin (Gn) deficiencies were associated with an increased relative risk of death (OR 2·26, 95% CI 1·15–4·47, P = 0·01 and OR 2·56, 95% CI 1·10–5·96, P = 0·01, respectively). Increased hydrocortisone (HC) (P‐trend = 0·02) and lower levothyroxine (LT4) doses (P‐trend = 0·03) were associated with increased risk of death. Mortality increased with the degree of pituitary failure observed (P‐trend = 0·04).ConclusionACTH and gonadotropin‐deficient patients have higher mortality rates compared to those with intact hormonal axes. Excessive HC and suboptimal LT4 replacement may also increase risk of death. Complex associations between hormone deficiency and replacement underpin the increased mortality risk in NFPA patients.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Maxillary Sinus Grafting using Deproteinized Porcine and Bovine Bone Mineral
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Shin Hyun‐Ki , Yun Jeong‐Ho , Cho Kyoo‐Sung 
Published: June 2016

AbstractsBackgroundDeproteinized porcine bone mineral (DPBM) was recently developed and commercially available in maxillary sinus grafting, in which demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) was widely used.ObjectivesThe present randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to compare histological bone quality and radiographic volume stability in maxillary sinuses grafted with DPBM and DBBM.Materials and MethodsTwenty sinuses in 16 participants were enrolled and randomly allocated to control and test groups using sequentially numbered, sealed envelopes; laterally approached sinus grafting with DBBM and DPBM, respectively. All participants were blinded to the group assignment during the entire experiment. After standardized osteotomy at the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, the sinus membrane was elevated, and the control or test biomaterial was grafted. Computed tomography (CT) images were taken immediately after surgery, and another CT and trephine biopsy was taken for radiographic and histological analyses after 6 months. The histological bone quality was measured as a primary outcome, and changes in the height and volume of the graft were evaluated in the reconstructed CT images as secondary outcomes.ResultsFifteen sites (7 and 8 sites for control and test group) in 11 participants were finally included in the per protocol (PP) analysis, and 16 sites (7 and 9 sites, respectively) in 12 participants were included in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis; there were four drop‐outs and one minor protocol violation. In both statistical analyses, the test groups showed comparable new bone formation and residual biomaterials in histology, and both groups exhibited minimal volume/height changes in radiographies. However, smaller sizes of residual biomaterials were observed in the histological samples from the test compared to control sites, despite the use of the same sizes of both biomaterials.ConclusionsThe results suggested that DPBM might produce comparable bone formation and volumetric stability with DBBM in maxillary sinus grafting, however, further clinical study with longer‐term periods and larger sample sizes should be needed for confirming this suggestion.
Three‐year follow‐up of sacral nerve stimulation for patients with diarrhoea‐predominant and mixed irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Fassov J. , Lundby L. , Laurberg S. , Buntzen S. , Krogh K. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimOur unit has recently shown that sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has a significantly positive short‐term effect on selected patients with diarrhoea‐predominant or mixed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the medium‐term efficacy of SNS for IBS to establish whether SNS could have a future role in the treatment of IBS.MethodPatients with IBS who had previously been implanted with a permanent neurostimulator as part of a randomized, controlled, crossover study, were assessed for medium‐term follow‐up. The primary end‐point was change in the IBS‐specific symptom score (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale–Irritable Bowel Syndrome version questionnaire) from baseline to 3‐year follow‐up. The secondary end‐point was a change in the IBS‐specific quality of life score (Irritable Bowel Syndrome–Impact Scale questionnaire) from baseline to 3‐year follow‐up.ResultsOf 26 patients, 20 were eligible for 3‐year follow‐up. The median IBS‐specific symptom score was significantly lower at 3‐year follow‐up (30, range 13–71) than at baseline (62, 45–80) (P = 0.0001). The effect was observed in all symptom clusters within the score. Also, the median IBS‐specific quality of life score was significantly improved at 3‐year follow‐up (52, 26–169) compared with baseline (135, 82–180, P = 0.0002). The effect was observed in all domains of the score. As per the protocol, 75% of patients were judged therapeutic successes. Seventy per cent of patients had a more than 50% reduction in daily IBS symptoms.ConclusionAt medium‐term follow‐up, SNS continues to be an effective treatment for highly selected patients with diarrhoea‐predominant or mixed IBS.
Association of eNOS and ACE gene polymorphisms and plasma nitric oxide with risk of non‐small cell lung cancer in South India
Authors: Peddireddy Vidyullatha , Badabagni Siva Prasad , Gundimeda Sandhya Devi , Mundluru Hema Prasad 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe role of ACE and eNOS gene polymorphisms and their association with various cancers were reported. However, their role in the lung cancer is unclear.ObjectivesIn this study, we analyzed eNOS and ACE gene polymorphisms and the risk of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in South Indian population.ResultsFor the eNOS gene, the homozygous “AA” genotypic frequency was significantly associated with NSCLC with an overall risk of 3.6‐fold (P = 0.006, odds ratio = 3.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.66, 7.723). The heterozygous “I/D” genotypic frequency of ACE gene was significantly higher in NSCLC patients when compared to the controls with a 2.29‐fold risk for NSCLC. Multiple regression analyses indicated that gender, smoking status, and polymorphisms in eNOS and ACE genes as the strongest predicting factors for an increased susceptibility to NSCLC.ConclusionsWe report for the first time that polymorphisms in the eNOS “A/A” (homozygous mutant) and ACE “I/D” genotypes might contribute to the increased risk of NSCLC in the South Indian population.
Response of exhaled nitric oxide to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with stable COPD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim Chor‐Shen , Rani Fauzi Abdul , Tan Lan‐Eng 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionTo our knowledge, no meta‐analysis has investigated the response of FeNO levels to corticosteroid treatment in ex‐smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectivesThis meta‐analysis assessed the potential role of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker for corticosteroid response in ex‐smokers with stable COPD.MethodsMedline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar databases were searched until November 5, 2014 using the following terms: corticosteroid, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, nitric oxide, NO, exhaled nitric oxide. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) or two‐arm prospective studies were included. The primary outcome measure was FeNO before and after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in ex‐smokers with COPD. Sensitivity analysis was also performed.ResultsFive studies were included in the analysis with a total of 171 COPD patients. All five studies included 125 ex‐smokers and two of these also included 46 current smokers. There was a significant decrease of FeNO in ex‐smoking COPD patients following inhaled corticosteroid treatment (−7.51, 95% CI: −11.51 to −3.51; P =0.003); and in a population of subjects that included both smokers and ex‐smokers (−1.99, 95% CI: −3.41 to −0.56; P =0.006).ConclusionOur findings indicate that FeNO levels significantly decreased with corticosteroid treatment in ex‐smokers with COPD. Additional studies are required to evaluate whether concurrent smoking has significant effect on FeNO response to ICS.
Exclusion criteria in treatment research on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use disorders: A review and critical analysis
Authors: Moberg Christine A. , Humphreys Keith 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIssuesHigh rates of exclusion in substance use disorder treatment studies reduce the external validity and clinical utility of research findings to an unknown extent. Accordingly, the current review examined commonly used exclusion criteria and their effect on study samples and outcomes.ApproachEnglish‐language literature was identified by PubMed searches and review of identified articles' reference lists. Studies were included if they analysed data on: (i) the prevalence and nature of exclusion criteria in the substance use disorder treatment field; and/or (ii) the impact of exclusion criteria on sample representativeness or study results.Key findingsThe search yielded 22 studies examining different aspects of exclusion criteria, including 15 empirical examinations of the impact of study exclusion criteria across different substance use disorder treatments on enrolment and outcome results. Aggregating across these 15 studies, we estimated that between 64 and 96% of potential study participants are excluded from substance use disorder treatment studies.ImplicationsThe widespread exclusion of large proportions of people with substance use disorders limits the external validity of the substance use disorder treatment research literature.ConclusionAlthough some eligibility criteria are necessary to protect participant safety and ensure internal validity, researchers conducting studies on substance use disorder treatments should thoughtfully consider the justification for and specific operationalisation of the extensive exclusion criteria they often utilise. [Moberg C, Humphreys K. Exclusion criteria in treatment research on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use disorders: A review and critical analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:378–388]
Modifiable health risk behaviours and attitudes towards behaviour change of clients attending community‐based substance use treatment services
Authors: Tremain Danika , Freund Megan , Wolfenden Luke , Wye Paula , Bowman Jenny , Dunlop Adrian , Gillham Karen , Bartlem Kate , McElwaine Kathleen , Gow Beth , Wiggers John 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsHealth risk behaviours, such as smoking, nutrition and physical inactivity, are significant contributors to chronic disease for people with substance use disorders. This study reports the prevalence of these behaviours amongst substance use treatment clients, their attitudes towards modifying such behaviours and the acceptability of receiving support to do so. Client characteristics associated with risk status and interest in modifying behaviours were examined.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was undertaken with clients of 15 community substance use treatment services within in New South Wales, Australia. Data for the study were collected via computer assisted telephone interviews.ResultsOf those contactable and eligible, 386 (71%) clients completed the survey. Clients reported a high prevalence of smoking (80%), insufficient fruit and/or vegetable consumption (89%) and insufficient physical activity (31%). Overall, 51–69% of clients reported considering modifying their health risk behaviours and 88–97% thought it was acceptable to be provided preventive care to address such behaviours. Younger clients were more likely to smoke (18–34 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9, 11.3]); 35–54 years (OR = 2.6 [95% CI = 1.2, 5.7])) and be interested in increasing vegetable consumption (18–34 years (OR = 4.4 [95% CI = 1.3, 14.8]); 35–54 years (OR = 8.0 [95% CI = 2.5, 25.4])) than older clients (≥55 years).Discussion and ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of health risk behaviours amongst clients of community substance use treatment services. However, contrary to commonly cited barriers to care provision, clients are interested in modifying their risk behaviours and report that receiving preventive care to address these behaviours is acceptable. [Tremain D, Freund M, Wolfenden L, Wye P, Bowman J, Dunlop A, Gillham K, Bartlem K, McElwaine K, Gow B, Wiggers J. Modifiable health risk behaviours and attitudes towards behaviour change of clients attending community‐based substance use treatment services.
Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:369–377.]
Community detoxification for alcohol dependence: A systematic review
Authors: Nadkarni Abhijit , Endsley Paige , Bhatia Urvita , Fuhr Daniela C. , Noorani Aneesa , Naik Aresh , Murthy Pratima , Velleman Richard 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIssuesDespite the potential advantages of community detoxification for alcohol dependence, in many countries the available resources are mostly focused on specialist services that are resource‐intensive, and often difficult to access because of financial or geographical factors. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the existing literature about the management of alcohol detoxification in the community to examine its effectiveness, safety, acceptability and feasibility.ApproachThe systematic review was guided by an a priori defined protocol consistent with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) statement. Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health and CINAHL databases were searched using appropriate search terms. A qualitative synthesis of the data was conducted as the heterogeneity of study designs, samples and outcomes measured precluded a meta‐analyses.Key FindingsTwenty studies with a range of designs were eligible for the review. Community detoxification had high completion rates and was reported to be safe. Compared to patients undergoing facility based detoxification, those who underwent community detoxification had better drinking outcomes. Community detoxification was cheaper than facility based detoxification and generally had good acceptability by various stakeholders.ImplicationsFor certain patients, community detoxification should be considered as a viable option to increase access to care.ConclusionsAlthough the current evidence base to some extent supports the case for community detoxification there is a need for more randomised controlled trials testing the cost effectiveness of community detoxification in comparison with inpatient detoxification. [Nadkarni A, Endsley P, Bhatia U, Fuhr DC, Noorani A, Naik A, Murthy P, Velleman R. Community detoxification for alcohol dependence: A systematic review Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:389–399]
Functional trait changes in the floras of 11 cities across the globe in response to urbanization
Authors: Palma Estibaliz , Catford Jane A. , Corlett Richard T. , Duncan Richard P. , Hahs Amy K. , McCarthy Michael A. , McDonnell Mark J. , Thompson Ken , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: June 2016

Urbanization causes major environmental changes globally, which can potentially homogenize biota across cities through the loss and gain of particular types of species. We examine whether urban environments consistently select for plants with particular traits and the implications of such changes on the functional composition of urban floras. We classified plant recorded in 11 cities around the globe as species that have either colonized (arrived and naturalized), persisted or been lost (local extirpation) following urbanization. We analyzed how 10 traits previously linked with plant responses to environmental conditions explained membership of these three groups, by comparing colonisers with persistent and extirpated plants through individual city‐level Bayesian models. Then, we used meta‐analysis to assess consistency of traits across urban areas. Finally, we explored several possible scenarios of functional change using these results.On average, urban colonizers had heavier seeds, unspecialised nutrient requirements, were taller and were annual species more often, especially when compared to locally extirpated plants. Common trends of functional change in urban plant communities include shifts towards taller and heavier‐seeded plants, and an increased prevalence of the short‐lived species, and plants without mutualistic nutritional strategies. Our results suggest that plant traits influence the species that succeed in urban environments worldwide. Different species use different ecological strategies to live in urban environments, as suggested by the importance of several traits that may appear as trait constellations. Plant height and seed mass were the only traits associated with both colonizer and extirpated plant status in urban environments. Based on our data, predicting colonization in urban environments may be easier than identifying extirpation‐prone plants; albeit some regional variation, colonization seems strongly driven by environmental conditions common to most cities (e.g. altered disturbance regimes), whereas extirpation may depend more on processes that vary across cities.
Feedback and motor skill acquisition using a haptic dental simulator
Authors: Al‐Saud L. M. , Mushtaq F. , Allsop M. J. , Culmer P. C. , Mirghani I. , Yates E. , Keeling A. , Mon‐Williams M. A. , Manogue M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of qualitatively different types of pedagogical feedback (FB) on the training, transfer and retention of basic manual dexterity dental skills using a virtual reality (VR) haptic dental simulator.MethodsSixty‐three participants (M = 22.7 years; SD = 3.4 years), with no previous dental training, were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 21 each). Group 1 received device‐only feedback during the training phase, that is the visual display of the simulator (DFB); Group 2 received verbal feedback from a qualified dental instructor (IFB); and Group 3 received a combination of instructor and device feedback (IDFB). Participants completed four tasks during which feedback was given according to group allocation as well as two skills transfer tests. Skill retention was examined immediately after training, at 1 week and at 1 month post‐test.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between the groups in overall performance (P < 0.001) and error (P = 0.006). Post hoc comparisons revealed the IDFB group produced substantially better performance and fewer errors in comparison with DFB and IFB training. This difference translated to improved performance in skill retention and generalisation of knowledge to novel tasks.ConclusionThese data indicate that the acquisition and retention of basic dental motor skills in novice trainees is best optimised through a combination of instructor and visual display (VR)‐driven feedback. The results have implications for the utility and implementation of VR haptic technology in dental education.
Bladder cancer detection using a peptide substrate of the 20S proteasome
Authors: Gruba Natalia , Wysocka Magdalena , Brzezińska Magdalena , Dębowski Dawid , Sieńczyk Marcin , Gorodkiewicz Ewa , Guszcz Tomasz , Czaplewski Cezary , Rolka Krzysztof , Lesner Adam 
Published: June 2016

The 20S catalytic core of the human 26S proteasome can be secreted from cells, and high levels of extracellular 20S proteasome have been linked to many types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Several diagnostic approaches have been developed that detect 20S proteasome activity in plasma, but these suffer from problems with efficiency and sensitivity. In this report, we describe the optimization and synthesis of an internally quenched fluorescent substrate of the 20S proteasome, and investigate its use as a potential diagnostic test in bladder cancer. This peptide, 2‐aminobenzoic acid (ABZ)‐Val‐Val‐Ser‐Tyr‐Ala‐Met‐Gly‐Tyr(3‐NO2)‐NH2, is cleaved by the chymotrypsin 20S proteasome subunit and displays an excellent specificity constant value (9.7 × 105 m−1·s−1) and a high kcat (8 s−1). Using this peptide, we identified chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity in the majority of urine samples obtained from patients with bladder cancer, whereas the proteasome activity in urine samples from healthy volunteers was below the detection limit (0.5 pm). These findings were confirmed by an inhibitory study and immunochemistry methods.
Bivalve aquaculture‐environment interactions in the context of climate change
Authors: Filgueira Ramón , Guyondet Thomas , Comeau Luc A. , Tremblay Réjean 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCoastal embayments are at risk of impacts by climate change drivers such as ocean warming, sea level rise and alteration in precipitation regimes. The response of the ecosystem to these drivers is highly dependent on their magnitude of change, but also on physical characteristics such as bay morphology and river discharge, which play key roles in water residence time and hence estuarine functioning. These considerations are especially relevant for bivalve aquaculture sites, where the cultured biomass can alter ecosystem dynamics. The combination of climate change, physical and aquaculture drivers can result in synergistic/antagonistic and nonlinear processes. A spatially explicit model was constructed to explore effects of the physical environment (bay geomorphic type, freshwater inputs), climate change drivers (sea level, temperature, precipitation) and aquaculture (bivalve species, stock) on ecosystem functioning. A factorial design led to 336 scenarios (48 hydrodynamic × 7 management). Model outcomes suggest that the physical environment controls estuarine functioning given its influence on primary productivity (bottom‐up control dominated by riverine nutrients) and horizontal advection with the open ocean (dominated by bay geomorphic type). The intensity of bivalve aquaculture ultimately determines the bivalve–phytoplankton trophic interaction, which can range from a bottom‐up control triggered by ammonia excretion to a top‐down control via feeding. Results also suggest that temperature is the strongest climate change driver due to its influence on the metabolism of poikilothermic organisms (e.g. zooplankton and bivalves), which ultimately causes a concomitant increase of top‐down pressure on phytoplankton. Given the different thermal tolerance of cultured species, temperature is also critical to sort winners from losers, benefiting Crassostrea virginica over Mytilus edulis under the specific conditions tested in this numerical exercise. In general, it is predicted that bays with large rivers and high exchange with the open ocean will be more resilient under climate change when bivalve aquaculture is present.