bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of obesity on oesophageal function, acid exposure and the symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Anggiansah R. , Sweis R. , Anggiansah A. , Wong T. , Cooper D. , Fox M. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundObese patients have an increased risk of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease; however, the mechanism underlying this association is uncertain.AimTo test the hypothesis that mechanical effects of obesity on oesophageal function increase acid exposure and symptoms.MethodsHeight, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured in patients with typical reflux symptoms referred for manometry and 24 h ambulatory pH studies. Symptom severity was assessed by questionnaire. The association between obesity [WC, body mass index (BMI)], oesophageal function, acid exposure and reflux symptoms was assessed.ResultsPhysiological measurements were obtained from 582 patients (median age 48, 56% female) of whom 406 (70%) completed symptom questionnaires. The prevalence of general obesity was greater in women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; F 23%:M 16%; P = 0.056), however more men had abdominal obesity (WC ≥ 99 cm (M 41%:F 28%; P = 0.001)). Oesophageal acid exposure increased with obesity (WC: R = 0.284, P < 0.001) and was associated also with lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure, reduced abdominal LOS length and peristaltic dysfunction (all P < 0.001). Univariable regression showed a negative association of WC with both LOS pressure and abdominal LOS length (R = −0.221 and −0.209 respectively; both P < 0.001). However, multivariable analysis demonstrated that the effects of increasing WC on oesophageal function do not explain increased acid reflux in obese patients. Instead, independent effects of obesity and oesophageal dysfunction on acid exposure were present. Reflux symptoms increased with acid exposure (R = 0.300; P < 0.001) and this association explained increased symptom severity in obese patients.ConclusionsAbdominal obesity (waist circumference) is associated with oesophageal dysfunction, increased acid exposure and reflux symptoms; however, this analysis does not support the mechanical hypothesis that the effects of obesity on oesophageal function are the cause of increased acid exposure in obese patients.
Co‐administration of rivaroxaban with drugs that share its elimination pathways: pharmacokinetic effects in healthy subjects
Authors: Mueck Wolfgang , Kubitza Dagmar , Becka Michael 
Published: January 2013

AimsThe anticoagulant rivaroxaban is an oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor for the management of thromboembolic disorders. Metabolism and excretion involve cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and 2J2 (CYP2J2), CYP‐independent mechanisms, and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) (ABCG2).MethodsThe pharmacokinetic effects of substrates or inhibitors of CYP3A4, P‐gp and Bcrp (ABCG2) on rivaroxaban were studied in healthy volunteers.ResultsRivaroxaban did not interact with midazolam (CYP3A4 probe substrate). Exposure to rivaroxaban when co‐administered with midazolam was slightly decreased by 11% (95% confidence interval [CI] −28%, 7%) compared with rivaroxaban alone. The following drugs moderately affected rivaroxaban exposure, but not to a clinically relevant extent: erythromycin (moderate CYP3A4/P‐gp inhibitor; 34% increase [95% CI 23%, 46%]), clarithromycin (strong CYP3A4/moderate P‐gp inhibitor; 54% increase [95% CI 44%, 64%]) and fluconazole (moderate CYP3A4, possible Bcrp [ABCG2] inhibitor; 42% increase [95% CI 29%, 56%]). A significant increase in rivaroxaban exposure was demonstrated with the strong CYP3A4, P‐gp/Bcrp (ABCG2) inhibitors (and potential CYP2J2 inhibitors) ketoconazole (158% increase [95% CI 136%, 182%] for a 400 mg once daily dose) and ritonavir (153% increase [95% CI 134%, 174%]).ConclusionsResults suggest that rivaroxaban may be co‐administered with CYP3A4 and/or P‐gp substrates/moderate inhibitors, but not with strong combined CYP3A4, P‐gp and Bcrp (ABCG2) inhibitors (mainly comprising azole‐antimycotics, apart from fluconazole, and HIV protease inhibitors), which are multi‐pathway inhibitors of rivaroxaban clearance and elimination.
Reduced indinavir exposure during pregnancy
Authors: Cressey Tim R. , Best Brookie M. , Achalapong Jullapong , Stek Alice , Wang Jiajia , Chotivanich Nantasak , Yuthavisuthi Prapap , Suriyachai Pornnapa , Prommas Sinart , Shapiro David E. , Watts D. Heather , Smith Elizabeth , Capparelli Edmund , Kreitchmann Regis , Mirochnick Mark ,   IMPAACT P1026s team
Published: January 2013

AimTo describe the pharmacokinetics and safety of indinavir boosted with ritonavir (IDV/r) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and in the post‐partum period.MethodsIMPAACT P1026s is an on‐going, prospective, non‐blinded study of antiretroviral pharmacokinetics (PK) in HIV‐infected pregnant women with a Thai cohort receiving IDV/r 400/100 mg twice daily during pregnancy through to 6–12 weeks post‐partum as part of clinical care. Steady‐state PK profiles were performed during the second (optional) and third trimesters and at 6–12 weeks post‐partum. PK targets were the estimated 10th percentile IDV AUC (12.9 μg ml−1 h) in non‐pregnant historical Thai adults and a trough concentration of 0.1 μg ml−1, the suggested minimum target.ResultsTwenty‐six pregnant women were enrolled; thirteen entered during the second trimester. Median (range) age was 29.8 (18.9–40.8) years and weight 60.5 (50.0–85.0) kg at the third trimester PK visit. The 90% confidence limits for the geometric mean ratio of the indinavir AUC(0,12 h) and Cmax during the second trimester and post‐partum (ante : post ratios) were 0.58 (0.49, 0.68) and 0.73 (0.59, 0.91), respectively; third trimester/post‐partum AUC(0,12 h) and Cmax ratios were 0.60 (0.53, 0.68) and 0.63 (0.55, 0.72), respectively. IDV/r was well tolerated and 21/26 women had a HIV‐1 viral load < 40 copies ml−1 at delivery. All 26 infants were confirmed HIV negative.ConclusionIndinavir exposure during the second and third trimesters was significantly reduced compared with post‐partum and ∼30% of women failed to achieve a target trough concentration. Increasing the dose of IDV/r during pregnancy to 600/100 mg twice daily may be preferable to ensure adequate drug concentrations.
Trimethoprim–metformin interaction and its genetic modulation by OCT2 and MATE1 transporters
Authors: Grün Barbara , Kiessling Michael K. , Burhenne Jürgen , Riedel Klaus‐Dieter , Weiss Johanna , Rauch Geraldine , Haefeli Walter E. , Czock David 
Published: January 2013

AimsMetformin pharmacokinetics depends on the presence and activity of membrane‐bound drug transporters and may be affected by transport inhibitors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of trimethoprim on metformin pharmacokinetics and genetic modulation by organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1) polymorphisms.MethodsTwenty‐four healthy volunteers received metformin 500 mg three times daily for 10 days and trimethoprim 200 mg twice daily from day 5 to 10. Effects of trimethoprim on steady‐state metformin pharmacokinetics were analysed.ResultsIn the population as a whole, trimethoprim significantly reduced the apparent systemic metformin clearance (CL/F) from 74 to 54 l h−1 and renal metformin clearance from 31 to 21 l h−1, and prolonged half‐life from 2.7 to 3.6 h (all P < 0.01). This resulted in an increase in the maximal plasma concentration by 38% and in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve by 37%. In volunteers polymorphic for both OCT2 and MATE1, trimethoprim had no relevant inhibitory effects on metformin kinetics. Trimethoprim was associated with a decrease in creatinine clearance from 133 to 106 ml min−1 (P < 0.01) and an increase in plasma lactate from 0.94 to 1.2 mmol l−1 (P = 0.016).ConclusionsThe extent of inhibition by trimethoprim was moderate, but might be clinically relevant in patients with borderline renal function or high‐dose metformin.
Responses of Aquatic Insect Functional Diversity to Landscape Changes in Atlantic Forest
Authors: Colzani Emílio , Siqueira Tadeu , Suriano Marcia T. , Roque Fabio O. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe Atlantic Forest domain, one of the 25 world's hotspots for biodiversity, has experienced dramatic changes in its landscape. While the loss of species diversity is well documented, functional diversity has not received the same amount of attention. In this study, we evaluated functional diversity of insects in streams utilizing three indices: functional diversity (FD), functional dispersion (FDis), and functional divergence (FDiv), seeking to understand the roles of three predictor sets in explaining functional patterns: (1) bioclimatic and landscape variables; (2) spatial variables; and (3) local environmental variables. We determined the amount of variation in different measures of functional diversity that was explained by each predictor set and their interplays using variation partitioning. Our study showed that variation in functional diversity is better explained by a set of variables linked to different scales dependent on spatial structures, indicating the importance of landscape and mainly environmental variables in the functional organization of aquatic insect communities, and that the relative importance of predictor sets depends on the indices considered. Variation in FD was better explained by the interplay among the three predictor sets and by local environmental variables, whereas variation in FDis was better explained by spatial variables and by the interplay between environmental and spatial variables. Variation in FDiv was not significantly explained by any predictors. Our study adds more evidence on the harmful effects caused by landscape changes on biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest, suggesting that these effects also influence the functional organization of stream insect communities.
Little Evidence That Time in Child Care Causes Externalizing Problems During Early Childhood in Norway
Authors: Zachrisson Henrik D. , Dearing Eric , Lekhal Ratib , Toppelberg Claudio O. 
Published: January 2013

Associations between maternal reports of hours in child care and children's externalizing problems at 18 and 36 months of age were examined in a population‐based Norwegian sample (n = 75,271). Within a sociopolitical context of homogenously high‐quality child care, there was little evidence that high quantity of care causes externalizing problems. Using conventional approaches to handling selection bias and listwise deletion for substantial attrition in this sample, more hours in care predicted higher problem levels, yet with small effect sizes. The finding, however, was not robust to using multiple imputation for missing values. Moreover, when sibling and individual fixed‐effects models for handling selection bias were used, no relation between hours and problems was evident.
Dual Routes to Cognitive Flexibility: Learning and Response‐Conflict Resolution in the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task
Authors: Ramscar Michael , Dye Melody , Gustafson Jessica W. , Klein Joseph 
Published: January 2013

Cognitive control, the ability to align our actions with goals or context, is largely absent in children under four. How then are preschoolers able to tailor their behavior to best match the situation? Learning may provide an alternative route to context‐sensitive responding. This study investigated this hypothesis in the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS), a classic test of cognitive control that most under‐fours fail. A training intervention based on learning theoretic principles proved highly effective: Three‐year‐olds who learned about DCCS rules and game contexts in a card‐labeling task, subsequently transferred this knowledge to sorting in the DCCS, passing at more than 3 times the rate of controls (N = 47). This surprising finding reveals much about the nature of the developing mind.
Impact of body mass index on thyroid functions in Indian children
Authors: Marwaha Raman K. , Tandon Nikhil , Garg M. K. , Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Narang A. , Mehan Neena , Bhadra Kuntal 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveThere is controversy about the relation of thyroid functions and body mass index. The present study was aimed to assess the relationship between thyroid function and body mass index in Indian school children.DesignPopulation survey.PatientsData were collected from 25 schools in 19 cities across five different geographical zones of India. Children, who consented, were evaluated for anthropometry and blood tests. Children were categorized as overweight and obese based on standard BMI criteria.MeasurementsSerum samples were analysed for free T3, free T4, TSH and anti‐TPO antibodies.ResultsA total of 13 691 children in the age group of 5–18 years formed the study population. The mean age and mean BMI were 11·9 ± 3·0 years and 18·48 ± 3·89 kg/m2 respectively. Among these, 2119 (15·5%) children were overweight and 536 (3·9%) were obese. Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 943 (6·9%) children.FT3 and TSH levels increased and FT4 levels decreased with increasing BMI in euthyroid boys and girls. Prevalence of SCH was significantly higher in obese/overweight children (9·0%, vs 6·5%; P = 0·034) as compared with normal BMI children.ConclusionsSerum FT3 and TSH were positively while FT4 was negatively associated with BMI in apparently healthy euthyroid children.
Robust Image Denoising Using a Virtual Flash Image for Monte Carlo Ray Tracing
Authors: Moon Bochang , Jun Jong Yun , Lee JongHyeob , Kim Kunho , Hachisuka Toshiya , Yoon Sung‐Eui 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe propose an efficient and robust image‐space denoising method for noisy images generated by Monte Carlo ray tracing methods. Our method is based on two new concepts: virtual flash images and homogeneous pixels. Inspired by recent developments in flash photography, virtual flash images emulate photographs taken with a flash, to capture various features of rendered images without taking additional samples. Using a virtual flash image as an edge‐stopping function, our method can preserve image features that were not captured well only by existing edge‐stopping functions such as normals and depth values. While denoising each pixel, we consider only homogeneous pixels—pixels that are statistically equivalent to each other. This makes it possible to define a stochastic error bound of our method, and this bound goes to zero as the number of ray samples goes to infinity, irrespective of denoising parameters. To highlight the benefits of our method, we apply our method to two Monte Carlo ray tracing methods, photon mapping and path tracing, with various input scenes. We demonstrate that using virtual flash images and homogeneous pixels with a standard denoising method outperforms state‐of‐the‐art image‐space denoising methods.
In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Implant Coating Agent: Laminin‐1
Authors: Bougas Kostas , Jimbo Ryo , Vandeweghe Stefan , Tovar Nick , Baldassarri Marta , Alenezi Ali , Janal Malvin , Coelho Paulo G. , Wennerberg Ann 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of implant coating with laminin‐1 on the early stages of osseointegration in vivo.Materials and MethodsTurned titanium implants were coated with the osteoprogenitor‐stimulating protein, laminin‐1 (TL). Their osteogenic performance was assessed with removal torque, histomorphometry, and nanoindentation in a rabbit model after 2 and 4 weeks. The performance of the test implants was compared with turned control implants (T), alkali‐ and heat‐treated implants (AH), andAHimplants coated with laminin‐1.ResultsAfter 2 weeks,TLdemonstrated significantly higher removal torque as compared withTand equivalent toAH. Bone area was significantly higher for the test surface after 4 weeks, while no significant changes were detected on the micromechanical properties of the surrounding bone.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, our results suggest a great potential for laminin‐1 as a coating agent. A turned implant surface coated with laminin‐1 could enhance osseointegration comparable with a bioactive implant surface while keeping the surface smooth.
Fibrin Clot Extension on Zirconia Surface for Dental Implants: A Quantitative In Vitro Study
Authors: Traini Tonino , Caputi Sergio , Gherlone Enrico , Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeThe surface chemical and physical properties of materials used for implants have a major influence on blood clot organization. This study aims to evaluate the blood clot extension (bce) on zirconia and titanium. bce was measured in association to surface roughness (Ra) and static contact angle (θ).Materials and MethodsForty disk‐shaped samples of sandblasted yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (sb‐YTZP), machined titanium (m‐Ti), and sandblasted, high‐temperature, acid‐etched titanium (p‐Ti) were used in the present study. About 0.2 mL of human blood, immediately dropped onto the specimen's surface and left in contact for 5 minutes at room temperature, was used to measure the bce. Specimens were observed under confocal scanning laser and scanning electron microscopes.ResultsThe bce (mean × 107 ± standard deviation [SD] × 106 μm2) was 2.97 ± 6.68 for m‐Ti, 5.64 ± 6.83 for p‐Ti, and 3.61 ± 7.67 for sb‐YTZP. p‐Ti samples showed a significantly higher bce. Ra (mean ± SD [μm]) was 0.56 ± 0.7 for m‐Ti, 3.78 ± 0.8 for p‐Ti, and 2.68 ± 0.6 for sb‐YTZP. The difference was not significant between sb‐YTZP and p‐Ti. θ (mean ± SD) was 55.6 ± 5.6 for m‐Ti, 48.7 ± 2.8 for sb‐YTZP, and 38.0 ± 2.2 for p‐Ti. The difference was not significant between m‐Ti and sb‐YTZP.ConclusionsThe sb‐YTZP demonstrated a significantly lesser amount of bce compared with p‐Ti specimens, notwithstanding that any significant difference was present between Ra and θ.
Reliability of Vertical Jump Performance evaluated with contact mat in elderly women
Authors: Farias Darlan L. , Teixeira Tatiane G. , Madrid Bibiano , Pinho Danilo , Boullosa Daniel A. , Prestes Jonato 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the vertical jump (VJ) using a contact mat in elderly women. Thirty‐one physically active women aged 69·5 ± 5·6 years participated in this study. Jump performance was evaluated with a contact mat. The first testing session (s1) consisted of four countermovement jumps interspersed with 40 s rest intervals. After a period of 5–7 days, volunteers performed the second session (s2) utilizing the same procedures. The intersession statistical analysis was calculated considering the two highest jumps, one obtained in each section. The intra‐session analysis utilized all eight jumps, all four from each section, and the differences between means were calculated by repeated measures ANOVA. Reliability was tested using the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and agreement by the Bland–Altman method. The intra‐ and inter‐subject variation percentage was calculated by the coefficient of variation (CV). Results: The intersession results displayed a high ICC (0·91; P<0·001) and a good agreement verified by the Bland–Altman method. There was a significant difference in the intra‐session analysis only in s2 between the jumps 2 and 4. Both in s1 and s2, the ICC was high (0·96; P<0·001; 0·95; P<0·001), and the within session reliability CV was low (10·14% and 9·07%). Conclusion: In physically active elderly women, VJ evaluation using a contact mat is a reliable method and could be used to estimate jump height. Additionally, the results of this study could serve as reference values in similar samples evaluated with the same procedures.
Recipient outcomes of dual and multiple renal arteries following 1000 consecutive laparoscopic donor nephrectomies at a single institution
Authors: Cooper Matthew , Kramer Andrew , Nogueira Joseph M. , Phelan Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeWe examined outcomes of kidney transplant recipients from allografts harvested via laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) with various arterial anatomies. We examined the risk of slow graft function, delayed graft function (DGF), and postoperative urological complications in recipients of multi‐vessel allografts.MethodsDonor and recipient records for 1000 consecutive LDN were reviewed (1996–2005). Characteristics examined included donor demographics, intraoperative parameters and complications, recipient post‐operative complications and short‐term recipient allograft function.ResultsDGF was 5.3% for single; 5.2% for dual; and 9.8% for multiple (p = 0.05). Recipient creatinine (Cr) at one wk and one month was 1.9 + 1.5 and 1.6 + 0.8; 2.1 + 1.6 and 1.7 + 1.2; 2.8 + 2.3 and 1.7 + 0.8 respectively (p = 0.01). Recipient Cr at one year averaged 1.6 mg % with no significant differences between groups, with 48 ureteral complications (4.8%): 32/732 = 4.4% recognized in single arterial allograft recipients; 12/212(5.7%) for dual and 4/43 for multiple (9.3%) (p = 0.03).ConclusionComplex vascular anatomy not a contraindication to LDN. Recipients of allograft with >2 arteries experience longer warm and cold ischemia times, greater incidence of DGF, and greater propensity for ureteral complications. Long term recipient outcomes remain excellent.
Molecular genetic system for regenerative studies using newts
Authors: Hayashi Toshinori , Yokotani Naoki , Tane Shoji , Matsumoto Akira , Myouga Ayumi , Okamoto Mitsumasa , Takeuchi Takashi 
Published: January 2013

Urodele newts have the remarkable capability of organ regeneration, and have been used as a unique experimental model for more than a century. However, the mechanisms underlying regulation of the regeneration are not well understood, and gene functions in particular remain largely unknown. To elucidate gene function in regeneration, molecular genetic analyses are very powerful. In particular, it is important to establish transgenic or knockout (mutant) lines, and systematically cross these lines to study the functions of the genes. In fact, such systems have been developed for other vertebrate models. However, there is currently no experimental model system using molecular genetics for newt regenerative research due to difficulties with respect to breeding newts in the laboratory. Here, we show that the Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) has outstanding properties as a laboratory newt. We developed conditions under which we can obtain a sufficient number and quality of eggs throughout the year, and shortened the period required for sexual maturation from 18 months to 6 months. In addition, P. waltl newts are known for their ability, like other newts, to regenerate various tissues. We revealed that their ability to regenerate various organs is equivalent to that of Japanese common newts. We also developed a method for efficient transgenesis. These studies demonstrate that P. waltl newts are a suitable model animal for analysis of regeneration using molecular genetics. Establishment of this experimental model will enable us to perform comparable studies using these newts and other vertebrate models.