bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the route of glutamine supplementation (enteral versus parenteral) on intestinal permeability on surgical intensive care unit patients: A pilot study
Authors: Uranjek Jasna , Vovk Irena , Kompan Lidija 
Published: August 2013

AimGlutamine administration influences intestinal permeability (IP). Enteral and parenteral glutamine supplementations have different metabolic pathways. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the route of glutamine supplementation on IP. The infection rate, inflammatory parameters and treatment outcome were the secondary end‐points in this study.Patients and MethodsA prospective, single‐blind study was performed in mechanically‐ventilated, early enterally‐fed, mixed‐surgery, intensive care unit (ICU) patients, randomly assigned to the parenteral group (group P) or enteral group (group E). The supplemented groups were treated with glutamine for 5 days. IP was measured using the lactulose/mannitol (L/M) test at the end of the study.ResultsA total of 81 patients completed the study; 39 from group P and 42 from group E. We found no difference in the L/M index (0.492 ± 0.68 group P, 0.521 ± 0.86 group E; P = 0.88) and the ICU‐acquired infection rate (38 per cent group P, 28 per cent group E; P = 0.34). A positive correlation between the start of enteral feeding and the L/M index was confirmed (correlation coefficient: 0.36, P = 0.003), but not with the dose (correlation coefficient: −0.019, P = 0.9) of glutamine supplementation. The outcome data also showed no statistical significant difference.ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study showed no difference in the IP, infection rate and 6 months' survival between the parenteral or enteral glutamine‐supplemented patients.
Autonomic functioning in irritable bowel syndrome measured by heart rate variability: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Qing , Wang Er Man , Yan Xiu Juan , Chen Sheng Liang 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo analyze autonomic functioning which presented as the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, a measurement of vagal tone, and the ratio of low frequency (LF) to HF (LF : HF), an indicator of sympathovagal balance in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.MethodsWe identified relevant studies by performing a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the ISI Web of Knowledge to 31 March 2013. Pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and I2 statistic.ResultsIn all, 11 articles including 392 IBS patients and 263 controls met the inclusion criteria of the analysis. IBS patients had lower HF band power (Hedges's g = −0.38, 95% CI −0.68 to −0.09) than the controls (I2 = 63.6%, P = 0.003). Moreover, IBS patients showed a higher LF : HF (Hedges's g = 0.43, 95% CI 0.13–0.74), with no significant heterogeneity. A subgroup analysis of the HF index according to the recording time yielded different results for the IBS patients and controls. Additionally, constipation‐predominant IBS (IBS‐C) patients had decreased HF band power, whereas no significant difference was found in LF : HF.ConclusionsImpaired parasympathetic functioning and abnormal sympathovagal balance may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS. Vagal dysfunction is more obvious in the IBS‐C subgroup.
Bicarbonate‐dependent transport of acetate and butyrate across the basolateral membrane of sheep rumen epithelium
Authors: Dengler F. , Rackwitz R. , Benesch F. , Pfannkuche H. , Gäbel G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the role of in the transport of acetate and butyrate across the basolateral membrane of rumen epithelium and to identify transport proteins involved.MethodsThe effects of basolateral variation in concentrations on acetate and butyrate efflux out of the epithelium and the transepithelial flux of these short‐chain fatty acids were tested in Ussing chamber experiments using 14C‐labelled substrates. ‐dependent transport mechanisms were characterized by adding specific inhibitors of candidate proteins to the serosal side.ResultsEffluxes of acetate and butyrate out of the epithelium were higher to the serosal side than to the mucosal side. Acetate and butyrate effluxes to both sides of rumen epithelium consisted of ‐independent and ‐dependent parts. ‐dependent transport across the basolateral membrane was confirmed in studies of transepithelial fluxes. Mucosal to serosal fluxes of acetate and butyrate decreased with lowering serosal concentrations. In the presence of 25 mm , transepithelial flux of acetate was inhibited effectively by p‐hydroxymercuribenzoic acid or α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, while butyrate flux was unaffected by the blockers. Fluxes of both acetate and butyrate from the serosal to the mucosal side were diminished largely by the addition of to the serosal side, with this effect being more pronounced for acetate.ConclusionOur results indicate the existence of a basolateral short‐chain fatty acid/ exchanger, with monocarboxylate transporter 1 as a primary candidate for acetate transfer.
Transnational Alliances for Negotiating International Framework Agreements: Power Relations and Bargaining Processes between Global Union Federations and European Works Councils
Authors: Dehnen Veronika 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWhy should European Works Councils (EWCs) discuss the International Labour Organisation's core labour standards? With respect to their legal duties, EWCs are information and consultation bodies on European topics. In practice, they can become main actors in negotiating and implementing international framework agreements (IFAs) about core labour standards in multinational companies. Using theoretical models of internal and inter‐organizational bargaining, the author highlights the role of those European bodies that work together with Global Union Federations (GUFs) during negotiations. In order to analyse the different forms of actors' involvement in negotiations, empirical data from a content analysis of all IFAs, as well as three company case studies, will be presented. It will be argued that internal bargaining between EWCs and GUFs influences negotiations with management. Furthermore, the article discusses the role of norms and institutions that shape internal as well as inter‐organizational bargaining processes, and lead to different forms of involvement of employee representation bodies.
Association between thyroid hormones and body fat in euthyroid subjects
Authors: Ren Ruizhen , Jiang Xiuyun , Zhang Xu , Guan Qingbo , Yu Chunxiao , Li Youzhang , Gao Ling , Zhang Haiqing , Zhao Jiajun 
Published: August 2013

SummaryObjectiveThyroid hormones disorders are associated with changes of body composition. However, the relationship between thyroid hormones and body fat in a euthyroid population is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between thyroid hormones and body fat in a euthyriod population.SubjectsA total of 865 euthyroid individuals were recruited in this study. Subjects with thyroid diseases or diabetes and who were taking medications that could influence thyroid hormones, weight or glucose metabolism were excluded.MeasurementsFT3, FT4, lipid parameters, fasting insulin (FINS) and blood glucose were determined, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body fat parameters were assessed.ResultsSerum FT3 was slightly higher in body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 group than that in BMI <25 kg/m2 group (P < 0·05). However, the difference was too small to have clinical significance. FT4 levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist‐fat‐to‐hip‐fat ratio, FINS and HOMA‐IR increased linearly with the elevation of FT3 adjusted for age and gender. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that fat mass, PBF, HOMA‐IR and FT4 contributed significantly to FT3 levels.ConclusionGrouped according to BMI, overweight and obese subjects have similar thyroid hormones compared to those with normal weight. Body composition parameters increase with the elevation of FT3, and FT3 is associated with body fat parameters in euthyroid subjects.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism prevalence in patients with diabetic macular oedema and its correlation with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment outcomes
Authors: El‐Shazly Sherien F , El‐Bradey Mohamed H , Tameesh Mohamed K 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo study the possible association between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism and diabetic macular oedema, and its correlation to the outcomes of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.DesignProspective study.Participants392 diabetic patients were included; 180 patients of them had no retinopathy, 212 patients had diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy patients were classified into four groups as defined by the absence or presence of macular oedema or proliferative retinopathy.MethodsIn all subjects, polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was conducted to detect the vascular endothelial growth factor gene C‐634G polymorphism. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were estimated. Changes of visual acuity and central macular thickness after bevacizumab treatment in diabetic macular oedema patients of different genotypes were monitored for 9–12 months.Main Outcome MeasuresVascular endothelial growth factor C‐634G genotypes distribution in different groups; correlation between genotypes, and changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.ResultsCC genotype was significantly prevalent among diabetic macular oedema patients (P = 0.019). Significant higher serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were detected in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema patients with CC genotype (P = 0.02, 0.016). After bevacizumab treatment, individuals with genotypes CG and GG have a decreased chance of positive treatment outcomes compared t with CC genotype (P < 0.001).ConclusionsVascular endothelial growth factor C‐634G polymorphism (CC genotype) is a genetic risk factor for diabetic macular oedema, and its presence provides significantly better visual outcome following bevacizumab treatment.
A systematic review of outcome reporting in colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Whistance R. N. , Forsythe R. O. , McNair A. G. K. , Brookes S. T. , Avery K. N. L. , Pullyblank A. M. , Sylvester P. A. , Jayne D. G. , Jones J. E. , Brown J. , Coleman M. G. , Dutton S. J. , Hackett R. , Huxtable R. , Kennedy R. H. , Morton D. , Oliver A. , Russell A. , Thomas M. G. , Blazeby J. M. ,   The CONSENSUS‐CRC (Core Outcomes and iNformation SEts iN SUrgical Studies – ColoRectal Cancer) working group
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimEvaluation of surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is necessary to inform clinical decision‐making and healthcare policy. The standards of outcome reporting after CRC surgery have not previously been considered.MethodSystematic literature searches identified randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies reporting clinical outcomes of CRC surgery. Outcomes were listed verbatim, categorized into broad groups (outcome domains) and examined for a definition (an appropriate textual explanation or a supporting citation). Outcome reporting was considered inconsistent if results of the outcome specified in the methods were not reported. Outcome reporting was compared between randomized and nonrandomized studies.ResultsOf 5644 abstracts, 194 articles (34 randomized and 160 nonrandomized studies) were included reporting 766 different clinical outcomes, categorized into seven domains. A mean of 14 ± 8 individual outcomes were reported per study. ‘Anastomotic leak’, ‘overall survival’ and ‘wound infection’ were the three most frequently reported outcomes in 72, 60 and 44 (37.1%, 30.9% and 22.7%) studies, respectively, and no single outcome was reported in every publication. Outcome definitions were significantly more often provided in randomized studies than in nonrandomized studies (19.0% vs 14.9%, P = 0.015). One‐hundred and twenty‐seven (65.5%) papers reported results of all outcomes specified in the methods (randomized studies, n = 21, 61.5%; nonrandomized studies, n = 106, 66.2%; P = 0.617).ConclusionOutcome reporting in CRC surgery lacks consistency and method. Improved standards of outcome measurement are recommended to permit data synthesis and transparent cross‐study comparisons.
Delayed allograft inflammation following alemtuzumab induction for kidney transplantation
Authors: Heilman Raymond L. , Khamash Hasan A. , Smith Maxwell L. , Chakkera Harini A. , Moss Adyr A. , Reddy Kunam S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn a recent clinical trial in kidney transplant recipients, induction with alemtuzumab and rabbit‐antithymocyte globulin (r‐ATG) was equally effective in preventing rejection during the first post‐transplant year; however, this study did not include protocol biopsies.MethodsThe aim of this study was to analyze the impact of alemtuzumab induction on rejection and subclinical inflammation during the first post‐transplant year compared with a historic control group receiving induction with r‐ATG. All patients received tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).ResultsThere were 361 in the alemtuzumab group and 478 in the r‐ATG groups. Rejection (excluding Banff borderline), during the first year, occurred in 14% of the alemtuzumab group and 9% of the r‐ATG group (p = 0.03). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐EPI formula) at one yr and graft survival at three yr were similar. On the protocol biopsies, interstitial inflammation (Banff i scores) and tubulitis (Banff t scores) were more likely in the r‐ATG group at one month, but at four and 12 months, both inflammation and tubulitis were more likely in the alemtuzumab group.ConclusionsWe conclude that alemtuzumab induction is associated with delayed inflammation at four and 12 months, but this inflammation did not appear to negatively impact the GFR or graft survival.
Effect of mating on sex attraction in Bactericera cockerelli with evidence of refractoriness
Authors: Guédot Christelle , Horton David R. , Landolt Peter J. , Munyaneza Joseph E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe investigated the effect of mating on female attractiveness and male responsiveness in the potato psyllid, Bactericera (= Paratrioza) cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), a major pest of potato. Assays were designed to examine response by mated or virgin males to volatile odors produced by virgin or mated females. Mating induced a behavioral refractory period during which males were not attracted to females. The refractory period was shown to include a mating‐induced lowering of male response to females, as well as a mating‐induced lowering of female attractiveness. The refractory period was longer in females (at least 48 h) than in males (less than 24 h). Following a post‐copulatory refractory period of 96 h, females were as attractive to males as virgin females. We also explored how rapidly spermatophores became depleted in females as a function of the amount of time following mating. The percent of females carrying spermatophores and the number of spermatophores per female decreased with the length of the female post‐mating period, possibly due to the absorption by females of the spermatophores and their content. By 96 h following mating, spermatophores were not visible in the majority of females, thus the absence of spermatophores in females of this species should not be used as evidence of mating status.
Prophylactic digital cryotherapy is associated with decreased incidence of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis
Authors: Kullmann A. , Holcombe S. J. , Hurcombe S. D. , Roessner H. A. , Hauptman J. G. , Geor R. J. , Belknap J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryReasons for performing the studyRecent research suggested that prophylactic digital cryotherapy (ICE) improved lameness scores, diminished histological changes and early laminar inflammatory signalling in horses following oligofructose administration. In clinical practice, horses at risk for sepsis‐associated laminitis receiveICE. Evidence to support this practice is lacking.ObjectivesTo determine factors associated with development of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis, includingICE.Study designMulticentre retrospective case series.MethodsMedical records for horses admitted to 2 university hospitals diagnosed with colitis with evidence of systemic inflammatory response from 2002 to 2012 were reviewed. Horses were excluded if they exhibited signs of laminitis at admission, were ponies, miniature or draught breeds, or <2 years old. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsTwenty‐seven of 130 horses (21%) developed laminitis. Seven of 69 (10%) horses treated withICEdeveloped laminitis compared with 20/61 (33%) horses that developed laminitis but did not receiveICE. Factors associated with laminitis included site of hospitalisation, admission respiratory rate (↑) and blood L‐lactate (↑), andICE(↓), P<0.05. Horses treated withICEhad 10 times less odds of developing laminitis compared with horses treated withoutICE(odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence limit 0.03–0.44). Sixteen horses (16/130, 12%) were subjected to euthanasia in hospital. Fourteen of these horses had laminitis and 2 did not develop laminitis. Survival for horses with colitis that developed laminitis was 13/27 (48%) compared with survival for horses with colitis that did not develop laminitis, 101/103 (98%).ConclusionLaminitis occurred in more clinically compromised horses. Use ofICEreduced the incidence of clinical laminitis in the study population suggesting that digital cryotherapy is an effective prophylactic strategy for the prevention of laminitis in horses with colitis.
Evidence that Notch and Delta expressions have a role in dermal condensate aggregation during wool follicle initiation
Authors: Xavier Stephanie P. , Gordon‐Thomson Clare , Wynn Peter C. , McCullagh Peter , Thomson Peter C. , Tomkins Lisa , Mason Rebecca S. , Moore Geoffrey P. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNotch pathway genes have been implicated in the commitment of mesenchymal cells to a wool follicle cell fate. Notch1 and Delta1 transcripts were quantified in fetal skin of fine‐woolled (Merino) and strong‐woolled (Tukidale) sheep at two time points: either preceding (d56) or during (d70) the first wave of follicle initiation. DIG‐labelled probes for both transcripts were localised in the epithelium, some mesenchymal cells, and in the dermal condensates of primordia. The possibility that condensates selectively incorporated Delta1‐labelled mesenchymal cells is considered. The involvement of Notch1 in condensate formation was also explored in cultured fetal skin explants and whisker papilla cells using DAPT to block Notch signalling. In its presence, follicle initiation in skin explants was reduced, and the propensity for cultured papilla cells to aggregate was abolished. Results suggest that Notch1 activation is a prerequisite for mesenchymal aggregation. It is speculated that Delta interactions contribute to condensate formation, in vivo.
Dihydrodehydrodiisoeugenol enhances adipocyte differentiation and decreases lipolysis in murine and human cells
Authors: Nehrenheim Katja , Meyer Imke , Brenden Heidi , Vielhaber Gabriele , Krutmann Jean , Grether‐Beck Susanne 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLoss of subcutaneous fat is a hallmark of ageing usually starting in the face. Attempts to ameliorate cosmetically the appearance of subcutaneous fat loss have been of limited success as they fail to rebuild the missing subcutaneous tissue. Ageing‐driven loss of subcutaneous fat results from (i) the reduced capacity of pre‐adipocytes to differentiate into adipocytes and (ii) the fact that adipocytes of the elderly secrete increased amounts of TNFα, that in turn enhances lipolysis, inhibits pre‐adipocyte differentiation and induces dedifferentiation of adipocytes. The neolignan dihydrodehydrodiisoeugenol (DDE) caused a 30% increase in lipid accumulation in murine 3T3‐L1 cells. This effect was accompanied by an induction of the differentiation‐associated transcription factors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ (PPARγ2), CAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid binding protein 4 and adiponectin, and a loss of the pre‐adipocyte marker Pref1. In addition, DDE diminished both basal and TNFα‐induced lipolysis. Similar results were obtained in human subcutaneous (hsc) pre‐adipocytes cultured in an age‐adapted hormone mix with reduced levels of insulin and dexamethasone. In this system, DDE significantly increased lipid accumulation by 71% and 94% and was associated with an induction of PPARγ2 and adiponectin mRNA expression. DDE also reduced basal lipolysis in mature hsc adipocytes. DDE acted as a partial PPARγ agonist because (i) DDE displaced PPARγ ligand from the human PPAR ligand‐binding site, (ii) DDE‐induced lipid accumulation and (iii) DDE‐induced adiponectin secretion could be overcome by the addition of PPARγ antagonists. Taken together, these studies identify DDE as a compound well suited to prevent and reverse loss of subcutaneous fat.
Characterization of sporadic acute hepatitis E and comparison of hepatitis E virus genomes in acute hepatitis patients and pig liver sold as food in Mie, Japan
Authors: Okano Hiroshi , Takahashi Masaharu , Isono Yoshiaki , Tanaka Hiroki , Nakano Tatsunori , Oya Yumi , Sugimoto Kazushi , Ito Keiichi , Ohmori Shigeru , Maegawa Tadashi , Kobayashi Makoto , Nagashima Shigeo , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: August 2013

AimTo characterize hepatitis E in Mie prefecture and to investigate whether raw pig liver sold as food in Mie is contaminated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains similar to those recovered from patients.MethodsSeventeen patients with sporadic acute hepatitis E treated from 2004 to 2012 were studied. A total of 243 packages of raw pig liver from regional grocery stores were tested for the presence of HEV RNA. The partial genomic sequences of human and swine HEV isolates were determined and subjected to the phylogenetic analyses.ResultsThe HEV isolates recovered from the 17 patients segregated into genotype 3 (n = 15) and genotype 4 (n = 2), and 15 genotype 3 isolates further segregated into 3e (n = 11) and 3b (n = 4). Pig liver specimens from 12 (4.9%) of the 243 packages had detectable HEV RNA. All 12 swine HEV isolates were grouped into genotype 3 (3a or 3b). Although no 3e strains were isolated from pig liver specimens, two 3b swine strains were 99.5–100% identical to two HEV strains recovered from hepatitis patients, within 412‐nt partial sequences.ConclusionThe 3e HEV was prevalent among hepatitis E patients. HEV RNA was detected in approximately 5% of pig liver sold as food. The presence of identical HEV strains between hepatitis patients and pig liver indicated that pigs play an important role as reservoirs for HEV in humans in Mie. Further studies are needed to clarify the source of 3e HEV in the animal and environmental reservoirs.