bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Endoscopy-Based and Serum-Based Methods for the Diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Garza-González Elvira , Bosques-Padilla Francisco J , Tijerina-Menchaca Rolando , Flores-Gutiérrez Juan P , Maldonado-Garza Héctor J , Pérez-Pérez Guillermo I 
Published: March 2016

Available commercial tests for the diagnosis ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection are based on different types of antigen preparations and hence the diagnostic utility differs substantially.OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of the determination of Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG antibodies toH pyloriwhole cell (WC) and IgG antibodies to cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) using an in-house ELISA in relation to the results obtained with different invasive methods.METHODS: The study population consisted of 251 Mexican adults, mean age 53 years, age range 15 to 92 years and female to male ratio of 1.5. Peptic ulcer disease was present in 10.8% of these patients, 5.2% had gastric cancer, 11.2% had esophagitis and 72.9% had nonulcer dyspepsia. Biopsy specimens from the body and the antrum of the stomach were obtained for culture, histology and rapid urease test. ELISAs to detect IgA and IgG WC andCagAantibodies were performed using serum.RESULTS:H pyloristatus was established by the results of the invasive tests. Eighty (31.9%) patients positive to the three tests and 38 (15.1%) negative to all the tests were identified. Based on this result, the sensitivity and specificity of the serology assays were 97.5% and 78.9% for the IgG WC and 70% and 73.7% for the IgA WC, respectively. However, ifH pyloristatus was defined by the positive result of at least one or two invasive diagnostic tests, the sensitivity for the IgG WC decreased to 87.3% and 66.7% respectively, but the specificity was essentially the same. Similar results were obtained for the sensitivity and specificity of IgA using the same criteria. A lowCagAprevalence was observed (39%).CONCLUSIONS: Testing for serological IgG antibodies toH pyloriWC was the best to assess whether infection byH pyloriwas present. Neither the IgA WC nor the IgGCagAELISAs add significant value in the diagnosis ofH pylori.
Indications for Interferon/Ribavirin Therapy in Hepatitis C Patients: Findings from a Survey of Canadian Hepatologists
Authors: Wang Peter , Yi Qilong , Scully Linda , Heathcote Jenny , Krahn Murray 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To survey practising hepatologists about their attitudes and practices regarding interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C (HCV) patients in Canada.METHODS: Anonymous fax and mail survey in Canada. The questionnaire consisted of two sets of questions: the likelihood (in percentage) of treating a patient with certain clinical characteristics; and opinions (Yes/No) regarding how his/her treatment decision is influenced by other factors (ie, patient age, genotype). Thirty-eight of 44 eligible participants responded to the survey with a response rate of 86.4%.RESULTS: Most participants indicated that they were likely to treat patients with "moderate/severe hepatitis with fibrosis" (median 80.0%), and compensated cirrhosis (median 75%). However, the participants were less willing to treat patients with coexisting conditions (median 25.0%) or mild hepatitis (median 13.8%).CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study indicate that there is a substantial variation in opinion among Canadian hepatologists towards treating HCV patients. The present study, however, suggests that the survey respondents appear, in general, to adhere to the HCV treatment guidelines by the Canadian Association for Study of the Liver.
Validation of the GSFQ, a Self-Administered Symptom Frequency Questionnaire for Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Paré Pierre , Meyer François , Armstrong David , Pyzyk Myron , Pericak Dan , Ron Goeree 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Although the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based primarily on symptoms experienced by a patient, relatively little attention has been paid to the development and validation of self-administered questionnaires specific to GERD symptoms. The present article presents the validation of the short, self-administered GERD Symptom Frequency Questionnaire (GSFQ).METHODS: Patients with GERD participating in a randomized clinical trial comparing pantoprazole and nizatidine were asked to complete the GSFQ together with validated instruments for measurement of health-related quality of life (Medical Outcome Study Short Form 12) and gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale). Completion of the GSFQ, Medical Outcome Study Short Form 12 and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale took place upon entry into the trial (baseline) and during the trial (days 7 and 28). Endoscopy was performed at baseline and after 28 days. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. The test-retest reliability of the GSFQ was examined by the intraclass correlation coefficient among the 36 patients with stable GERD symptoms between day 7 and day 28. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the GSFQ with previously validated instruments. Known group validity was determined by comparing GSFQ scores across groups of patients known to differ clinically. Responsiveness to change was assessed by the Guyatt’s statistic.RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one patients formed the study baseline group. The analysis demonstrated that the GSFQ questionnaire had excellent psychometric properties shown by the high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.84); that the test-retest reliability was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.64); that there was good evidence that the GSFQ indeed measured what it was intended to measure (validity); and that the GSFQ was highly responsive to change (Guyatt’s statistic 1.48).DISCUSSION: The GSFQ is a short, self-administered, easy to use, GERD-specific questionnaire which should be considered as a useful assessment tool in the evaluation of patients with GERD and in the assessment of treatment outcomes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Primary Care: The Patients’ and Doctors’ Views on Symptoms, Etiology and Management
Authors: Bijkerk Cornelis J , Wit Niek J de , Stalman Wim AB , Knottnerus J André , Hoes Arno W , Muris Jean WM 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the development of clinical guidelines and to direct future irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) research, insight into the perceptions of patients and general practitioners (GPs) regarding IBS is required.OBJECTIVES : To compare patients’ and GPs’ views on the symptomatology, etiology and treatment of IBS. METHODS: One hundred forty-two IBS patients and 100 GPs were requested to complete a structured questionnaire.RESULTS: The response rates of the patients and GPs were 80% and 47%, respectively. Abdominal pain and bloating were considered to be the most bothersome symptoms in IBS, by both patients and GPs. Although all patients were diagnosed by their GP as having IBS, and 62% met the Manning criteria, only 18% fulfilled the Rome II criteria for IBS. Patients consider food intolerance and GPs regard lack of fibre as the main etiologic dietary factor. Many IBS patients expect a diagnostic work-up, but GPs generally restrict this to elderly patients. GPs start IBS management with dietary advice (94%), counselling (77%) and drug therapy (55%). Patients expect reassurance (47%) and drug treatment (37%), but dietary interventions are less appreciated (9%).CONCLUSIONS: Patients and GPs have different perceptions of the efficacy of diagnostic and dietary interventions in IBS. GPs should explore the patients expectations and incorporate these in their approach to IBS patients.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Atorvastatin in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kiyici Murat , Gulten Macit , Gurel Selim , Nak Selim Giray , Dolar Enver , Savci Gursel , Adim Saduman Balaban , Yerci Omer , Memik Faruk 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious disorder with the potential to gradually progress to cirrhosis. It is generally associated with obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Currently, there is no established therapy for NASH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of atorvastatin and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the treatment of NASH.METHODS: This prospective study included 44 adult patients (24 men, 20 women) with a mean age of 48.90±7.69 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.40±3.82. Ten patients had a history of diabetes. Serological markers for viral hepatitis were negative in all patients and there was no history of alcohol or drug abuse. Patients who had autoimmune hepatitis were excluded from the study. Liver biopsy was performed before therapy to confirm the diagnosis. Among NASH patients, 17 normolipidemic cases received UDCA 13 to 15 mg/kg/day (group 1), while hyperlipidemic cases (n=27) received atorvastatin 10 mg/day (group 2) for six months. The BMI, serum lipids, liver function tests and liver density, assessed by computerized tomography, were evaluated before and after the treatment period. The BMI, serum aminotransferase levels, histological parameters (steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis scores) and liver densities were not statistically different between the groups at the beginning of therapy.RESULTS: The BMI, serum glucose, and triglyceride levels did not change in either group after the treatment period. In group 1, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) levels reduced significantly, and in group 2, serum cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and GGT levels reduced significantly. Liver densities increased only in group 2, probably as a result of diminishing fat content of liver. The normalization of transaminases was also more prevalent in group 2. Liver steatosis was closely correlated with liver density, but inflammation and fibrosis were not.CONCLUSIONS: The use of atorvastatin in NASH patients with hyperlipidemia was found to be both effective and safe. The benefit of statin and UDCA therapy in normolipidemic patients with NASH requires confirmation with further placebo-controlled trials.
Pharmacodynamic Response of the MET/HGF Receptor to Small-Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Examined with Validated, Fit-for-Clinic Immunoassays
Authors: Srivastava Apurva K. , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Weiner Jennifer , Navas Tony , Evrard Yvonne A. , Khin Sonny A. , Ji Jiuping Jay , Zhang Yiping , Borgel Suzanne , Pfister Thomas D. , Kinders Robert J. , Bottaro Donald P. , Linehan W. Marston , Tomaszewski Joseph E. , Doroshow James H. , Parchment Ralph E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Rational development of targeted MET inhibitors for cancer treatment requires a quantitative understanding of target pharmacodynamics, including molecular target engagement, mechanism of action, and duration of effect.
Experimental Design: Sandwich immunoassays and specimen handling procedures were developed and validated for quantifying full-length MET and its key phosphospecies (pMET) in core tumor biopsies. MET was captured using an antibody to the extracellular domain and then probed using antibodies to its C-terminus (full-length) and epitopes containing pY1234/1235, pY1235, and pY1356. Using pMET:MET ratios as assay endpoints, MET inhibitor pharmacodynamics were characterized in MET-amplified and -compensated (VEGFR blockade) models.
Results: By limiting cold ischemia time to less than two minutes, the pharmacodynamic effects of the MET inhibitors PHA665752 and PF02341066 (crizotinib) were quantifiable using core needle biopsies of human gastric carcinoma xenografts (GTL-16 and SNU5). One dose decreased pY1234/1235 MET:MET, pY1235-MET:MET, and pY1356-MET:MET ratios by 60% to 80% within 4 hours, but this effect was not fully sustained despite continued daily dosing. VEGFR blockade by pazopanib increased pY1235-MET:MET and pY1356-MET:MET ratios, which was reversed by tivantinib. Full-length MET was quantifiable in 5 of 5 core needle samples obtained from a resected hereditary papillary renal carcinoma, but the levels of pMET species were near the assay lower limit of quantitation.
Conclusions: These validated immunoassays for pharmacodynamic biomarkers of MET signaling are suitable for studying MET responses in amplified cancers as well as compensatory responses to VEGFR blockade. Incorporating pharmacodynamic biomarker studies into clinical trials of MET inhibitors could provide critical proof of mechanism and proof of concept for the field. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3683–94. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating non-hematological cells during cardiopulmonary bypass: new findings in cardiac surgery procedures
Authors: Santise Gianluca , Marinaro Cinzia , Maselli Daniele , Dominici Carmelo , Di Vito Anna , Donato Giuseppe , Camastra Caterina , Zeppa Pio , Barni Tullio , Rizzuto Antonia , Viglietto Giuseppe , Mignogna Chiara 
Published: March 2016

Background: Several factors have been historically advocated to explain the coagulative and inflammatory disorders following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this paper, we describe the presence of circulating non-hematological cells, introduced within the bloodstream during CPB. We defined the origin of the cells and tested their impact on coagulation. Methods: We collected peripheral arterial blood samples in twenty consecutive coronary artery bypass graft cases at four different surgical moments and assessed the presence and nature of circulating cells with the use of the CELLSEARCH® Test, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence, evaluating the expression of cytokeratin and calretinin. The effect of the circulating non-hematological cells on coagulation was tested in vitro, using the ROTEM assay. Results: A mean of 263.85 ± 57.5 (median 258.5) cells were present in the samples following the suction of blood from the surgical field while all the other samples were negative (zero cells) (p<0.00001). Immunologic tests confirmed the mesothelial origin of the cells. The ROTEM® assay of the blood samples contaminated by the mesothelial cells presented longer clotting times (53.4 ± 8.2 secs 48.3 ± 8.9 sec, p=0.05), longer clot formation times (137.1 ± 31.5 sec vs 111.9 ± 25.2 sec, p=0.009), smaller alfa angle amplitudes (66.7 ± 9.1° vs 71.1 ± 5.1°, p=0.04) and maximum clot firmness times (59.0 ± 5.4 sec vs 61.9 ±4.6 sec, p=0.004) than the controls. Conclusion: The presence of circulating non-hematological cells during CPB with a mesothelial immunophenotype alters in vitro coagulation assays. This finding can help to further understand the pathophysiology of CPB.
Breast cancer patient with everolimus-induced angioedema: A rare occurrence with potential for serious consequences
Authors: Roe Neil , Twilla Jennifer D , Duhart Benjamin , Wheeler Brian 
Published: March 2016

Background The development of angioedema is a rare yet serious clinical event that may develop due to an adverse drug reaction. Rapid recognition and treatment of this adverse reaction is critical for optimal patient outcomes; however, prevention of this occurrence is preferred. Case report A 59-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with lingual angioedema caused by the addition of everolimus to her medication regimen. The patient improved after withdrawal of the offending agent and standard treatment. Early recognition by healthcare providers and management of everolimus-induced angioedema is vital for successful patient outcomes. This report increases awareness of everolimus as a potentially causative agent for the development of angioedema.
Investigating the influence of eating habits, body weight and television programme preferences on television viewing time and domestic computer usage
Authors: Raptou Elena , Papastefanou Georgios , Mattas Konstadinos 
Published: March 2016

Background: The present study explored the influence of eating habits, body weight and television programme preference on television viewing time and domestic computer usage, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and home media environment indicators. In addition, potential substitution or complementarity in screen time was investigated. Methods: Individual level data were collected via questionnaires that were administered to a random sample of 2,946 Germans. The econometric analysis employed a seemingly unrelated bivariate ordered probit model to conjointly estimate television viewing time and time engaged in domestic computer usage. Results: Television viewing and domestic computer usage represent two independent behaviours in both genders and across all age groups. Dietary habits have a significant impact on television watching with less healthy food choices associated with increasing television viewing time. Body weight is found to be positively correlated with television screen time in both men and women, and overweight individuals have a higher propensity for heavy television viewing. Similar results were obtained for age groups where an increasing body mass index (BMI) in adults over 24 years old is more likely to be positively associated with a higher duration of television watching. With respect to dietary habits of domestic computer users, participants aged over 24 years of both genders seem to adopt more healthy dietary patterns. A downward trend in the BMI of domestic computer users was observed in women and adults aged 25–60 years. On the contrary, young domestic computer users 18–24 years old have a higher body weight than non-users. Television programme preferences also affect television screen time with clear differences to be observed between genders and across different age groups. Conclusions: In order to reduce total screen time, health interventions should target different types of screen viewing audiences separately.
Computing quasisolutions of nonlinear inverse problems via efficient minimization of trust region problems
Authors: Kaltenbacher Barbara , Rendl Franz , Resmerita Elena 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In this paper we present a method for the regularized solution of nonlinear inverse problems, based on Ivanov regularization (also called method of quasi solutions or constrained least squares regularization). This leads to the minimization of a nonconvex cost function under a norm constraint, where nonconvexity is caused by nonlinearity of the inverse problem. Minimization is done by iterative approximation, using (nonconvex) quadratic Taylor expansions of the cost function. This leads to repeated solution of quadratic trust region subproblems with possibly indefinite Hessian. Thus, the key step of the method consists in application of an efficient method for solving such quadratic subproblems, developed by Rendl and Wolkowicz [10]. We here present a convergence analysis of the overall method as well as numerical experiments.
Evaluation of functional outcome of tibial plateau fractures managed by different surgical modalities
Authors: Jain Ravi kant , Shukla Rajeev , Baxi Mudit , Agarwal Utkarsh , Yadav Sankalp 
Published: March 2016

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Tibial plateau makes up one of the most important weight bearing surface. Its fractures are commonly faced entity encompassing a wide spectrum of injuries of variable fracture morphology. Due to in-crease in incidence of high velocity trauma and higher functional demands of patients, surgery is warranted in most of the cases. Although, there is advancement in fracture fixation methods, apt treatment of tibial plateau fractures still remains controversial.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> In our series, we analyzed the functional outcomes of 58 of surgically treated tibial plateau fractures. Fractures were classified with Schatzker’s classification. Various fixation modalities of fixation were employed. Functional outcome was evaluated with modified Rasmussen’s criteria.<strong></strong></span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>Most of the patient’s belonged to younger age groups (58.62%) and males (79.31%) were predominately involved. Road traffic accidents were the most common etiological factor (70.69%). Schatzker types I (29.31%) and II (27.59%) were the most common observed fracture type. The majority of the patients had a complication free recovery (81.03%). Infection was reported in only one case (1.72%). Similarly, malunion was noticed in only in one case (1.72%). None of the patients had complications like nonunion or neurovascular damage. The functional outcome assessment according to Modified Rasmussen’s criteria at the end of 12 months showed the excellent functional outcome in 41 (70.68%), good in eight (13.79%), fair in five (10.34%) and poor in four (6.9%) patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures is challenging, yet it helps in achieving excellent anatomical restoration and rigid fracture fixation enabling in the restoration of articular congruity and facilitation of early knee motion thus achieving optimal knee function.</p>
Pasado y presente de los africanos y sus descendientes en Argentina
Authors: Buffa Diego , Bezerra María José 
Published: March 2016

En este artículo, nos proponemos explorar el pasado y la historia reciente del actual territorio argentino, con el objetivo de indagar acerca de la presencia africana y afrodescendiente en estas latitudes de la América meridional. En tal sentido, centraremos nuestro análisis en los momentos más significativos de la llegada de esa población africana, observando ciertos parámetros que la caracteriza y, al mismo tiempo, identificaremos patrones de marginación o exclusión social que eses migrantes africanos y sus descendientes debieron experimentar por parte de las estructuras dominantes y la sociedad receptora.---Passado e presente dos africanos e seus descendentes na ArgentinaNeste artigo, propomos explorar o passado e a história recente do atual território argentino, com o objetivo deindagar sobre a presença africana e afrodescendente nessas latitudes da América meridional. Nesse sentido, centramos nossa análise nos momentos mais significativos da chegada dessa população africana, analisando certos parâmetros que a caracteriza e, ao mesmo tempo, identificaremos padrões de marginação ou exclusão social que esses migrantes africanos e seus descendentes experimentaram por parte das estruturas dominantes e da sociedade receptora.Palavras chaves: Africanos - Afrodescendentes - Argentina---Past and present of Africans and their descendents in Argentina In this article we propose to explore the past and recent history of the current Argentinean territory, in order to inquire about African and African descent presence in these latitudes of southern America. Accordingly, we focus our analysis on the most significant moments of the arrival of this African population, examining certain parameters that characterizes it and at the same time, we will identify patterns of marginalization or social exclusion that these African migrants and their descendants experienced from dominant structures and receiving society.Keywords: africans, afrodescendents, argentina.