bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori Test‐and‐Treat Program Can Be Cost‐effective to Prevent Gastric Cancer in Taiwanese Adults: Referred to the Nationwide Reimbursement Database
Authors: Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Wang Jung‐Der , Chen Wei‐Ying , Chen Chian‐Wei , Chang Shun‐Chiao , Sheu Bor‐Shyang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of gastric cancer. The study aimed to compare cost‐effectiveness ratios of H. pylori test‐and‐treat programs to prevent gastric cancer in Taiwan, referring to the nationwide reimbursement database and expected years of life lost.Materials and MethodsDuring 1998–2009, there were 12,857 females and 24,945 males with gastric adenocarcinoma in Taiwan National Cancer Registry. They were followed up to 2010 and linked to the reimbursement database of National Health Insurance and the national mortality registry to determine lifetime health expenditures and expected years of life lost. Cost‐effectiveness ratios of H. pylori test‐and‐treat programs for prevention of gastric adenocarcinoma were compared between screenings with 13C‐urea breath test and with anti‐H. pylori IgG.ResultsThe test‐and‐treat program with anti‐H. pylori IgG to prevent gastric adenocarcinoma had lower incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios than that with 13C‐urea breath test in both sexes (females: 244 vs 1071 US dollars/life‐year; males: 312 vs 1431 US dollars/life‐year). Cost saving would be achieved in an endemic area where H. pylori prevalence was >73.5%, or by selecting subpopulations with high absolute risk reduction rates of cancer after eradication. Moreover, expected years of life lost of gastric adenocarcinoma were higher and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of test‐and‐treat programs were more cost‐effective in young adults (30–69 y/o) than in elders (≥70 y/o).ConclusionsThe test‐and‐treat program with anti‐H. pylori IgG shall be cost‐effective to prevent gastric adenocarcinoma in a high endemic area, especially beginning at 30 years of age when H. pylori prevalence rates become stabilized.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children. Antimicrobial Resistance and Treatment Response
Authors: Montes Milagrosa , Villalon Flor N. , Eizaguirre Francisco J. , Delgado Maider , Muñoz‐Seca Ignacio M. , Fernández‐Reyes María , Pérez‐Trallero Emilio 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the appropriateness of the recent recommendations for managing Helicobacter pylori infection in children in a university hospital in Southern Europe. Antimicrobial resistance and response to eradication therapy were also determined.Materials and MethodsThe presence of H. pylori was studied in 143 children: by gastric biopsy culture (GBC), 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) and stool antigen immunochromatography test (SAIT) in 56 children; by GBC and UBT in 20, by GBC and SAIT in 18, and by GBC alone in 49. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by E‐test. Infection was defined as a positive culture or positivity in both UBT and SAIT. Disease progression was studied in 118 patients. First evaluation of symptoms was carried out at 3–6 months after diagnosis and/or after treatment of the infection.ResultsH. pylori was detected in 74 from the 143 children analyzed (100% GBC positive, 98.1% UBT positive, and 58.1% SAIT positive). The main symptom was chronic abdominal pain (n = 121). Macroscopic antral nodularity was observed in 29.7% of infected patients and in 5.8% of uninfected patients, respectively. Resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was found in 34.7 and 16.7%, respectively. Eradication when susceptible antimicrobials were used occurred in 78.7% (48/61) versus 37.5% (3/8) when the treatment included a drug with resistance (p = .024). In patients with recurrent abdominal pain, symptoms resolved in 92.9% (39/42) patients with HP eradication versus 42.9% (6/14) without HP eradication (p < .001).ConclusionTreated patients often failed to meet the criteria established in the guidelines for H. pylori diagnostic screening and treatment because most of them had only recurrent abdominal pain, but remission of their symptoms was associated with H. pylori eradication.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Increase the Risk of Myocardial Infarction: A Meta‐Analysis of 26 Studies Involving more than 20,000 Participants
Authors: Liu Juan , Wang Feng , Shi Songli 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial infarction is a fatal cardiovascular disease and one of the most common death causes all around the world. The aim of the meta‐analysis was to quantify the risk of myocardial infarction associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsA literature search was performed to identify studies published before 14 July, 2014, for relevant risk estimates. Fixed and random effect meta‐analytical techniques were conducted for myocardial infarction.ResultsTwenty‐six case–control studies involving 5829 myocardial infarction patients and more than 16,000 controls were included. Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (OR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.75–2.53, p = .06). We also discovered a significant association between the bacteria and risk of myocardial infarction in young people (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.41–2.66, p = .07), in elder people (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.60–2.54, p = .29), in Caucasians (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.99–2.63, p = .12), and in Asians (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.12–2.73, p = .08).ConclusionOur meta‐analyses suggested a possible indication of relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of myocardial infarction. The pathogenicity might not be affected by age and race. More researches should be conducted to explore the mechanisms involved.
Informational needs of gastrointestinal oncology patients
Authors: Papadakos Janet , Urowitz Sara , Olmstead Craig , Jusko Friedman Audrey , Zhu Jason , Catton Pamela 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesIn response to the dearth of consumer health information for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, this study examined the informational needs of these patients to build a plan for future resource development. Although studies have examined informational needs of some such cancers, no published literature has investigated the comprehensive informational needs across all sites of gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsA cross‐sectional needs assessment comprising a self‐administered questionnaire was conducted at an ambulatory gastrointestinal oncology clinic in Toronto, Canada. Patient informational needs were measured, including importance of information, amount desired and preferred mode of delivery. Informational needs were grouped into six domains: medical, practical, physical, emotional, social and spiritual.ResultsEighty‐two surveys were analysed. The majority of the respondents were male (53.8%), over the age of 50 (77.8%), and born outside of Canada (51.9%). While many did not speak English as a child (46.3%), and do not speak English at home (22.2%), nearly all indicated comfort with receiving health information in English (97.5%). The majority of respondents were college educated (79.3%) and married (73%). Multiple cancer types were reported; the most common being colorectal (39%), followed by pancreatic (12%) and cancers of the gallbladder or bile duct (12%). Overall, respondents placed highest importance on medical information (P < 0.001). Preferred education modalities were pamphlets, websites and one‐on‐one discussions with health‐care professionals.ConclusionsThis study highlights the principal informational needs of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, along with preferred modality for information delivery. This information will guide the development of educational resources for future patients.
High‐grade encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast: an under‐recognized entity
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Varga Zsuzsanna , Elsheik Somaia , Ellis Ian O 
Published: November 2014

AimsEncapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a recognized special type of breast carcinoma. Despite compelling evidence indicating its invasive nature, although not of a conventional form, the current consensus is to manage EPC as an in‐situ disease, based on its indolent clinical behaviour. Although most EPCs are recognized to be of low and intermediate grade, a distinct proportion of these tumours do show high cytonuclear grade features. The existence and behaviour of these rare high‐grade variants remains to be defined. We aim to characterise these tumours and provide evidence to guide their management.Methods and resultsIn this study, we have identified 12 high‐grade EPCs without associated conventional stromal invasion. To further characterize these high‐grade tumours, a series of invasive papillary carcinomas (n = 30) were assessed for the coexistence of EPC. The literature was also reviewed. Approximately 3% of pure EPCs showed high‐grade features as defined by nuclear pleomorphism and increased mitotic activity. These tumours not only showed histological features associated with aggressive behaviour, but were also often hormone receptor‐negative, tended to be of larger size, and were more frequently associated with stromal invasion. Of the 10 patients with follow‐up data, one with pure high‐grade EPC developed recurrence and died of her disease.ConclusionHigh‐grade EPC is rare, and its histological features and more aggressive clinical behaviour suggest that consideration should be given to managing it in a similar fashion to conventional forms of invasive breast carcinoma, based on established clinicopathological parameters.
Tumour budding is associated with hypoxia at the advancing front of colorectal cancer
Authors: Righi Alberto , Sarotto Ivana , Casorzo Laura , Cavalchini Silvia , Frangipane Elena , Risio Mauro 
Published: November 2014

AimsThe tumour budding ability to predict cancer progression is felt to be worthy of investigation with regard to its biological properties. This study was aimed at evaluating the role of hypoxia and microvascularization in the morphogenesis of tumour budding in colorectal carcinoma.Methods and resultsThe immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and carbonic anhydrase IX in cancer cells and CD105 in carcinoma‐induced microvascularization were assessed in 479 colorectal cancers. Furthermore, MET proto‐oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) gene amplification was searched using fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH). Carbonic anhydrase IX and HIF‐1α overall scores differed significantly in low‐ compared to high‐grade tumour budding cancers (P < 0.001), both in pT1 and in pT2–4 tumours. Intratumour analysis of budding foci showed a striking absence of carbonic anhydrase IX immunostain in detaching cells with respect to the surrounding microsectors. The mean microvessel density values were significantly higher in the low‐ compared to the high‐grade tumour budding groups (P < 0.001). A similar copy number of MET gene was detected in the two groups.ConclusionsOur study shows that tumour budding is associated with hypoxia induced by hypovascularization at the advancing front of colorectal cancer and that budding cells express a HIF‐1α‐mediated hypoxic tumour phenotype. MET gene amplification is not related to tumour budding morphogenesis.
Tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) expression in colorectal cancers highlights anoikis resistance as a survival mechanism of tumour budding cells
Authors: Dawson Heather , Grundmann Sandra , Koelzer Viktor H , Galván José A , Kirsch Richard , Karamitopoulou Eva , Lugli Alessandro , Inderbitzin Daniel , Zlobec Inti 
Published: November 2014

AimsTumour buds in colorectal cancer represent an aggressive subgroup of non‐proliferating and non‐apoptotic tumour cells. We hypothesize that the survival of tumour buds is dependent upon anoikis resistance. The role of tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB), a promoter of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and anoikis resistance, in facilitating budding was investigated.Methods and resultsTyrosine kinase receptor B immunohistochemistry was performed on a multiple‐punch tissue microarray of 211 colorectal cancer resections. Membranous/cytoplasmic and nuclear expression was evaluated in tumour and buds. Tumour budding was assessed on corresponding whole tissue slides. Relationship to Ki‐67 and caspase‐3 was investigated. Analysis of Kirsten Ras (KRAS), proto‐oncogene B‐RAF (BRAF) and cytosine–phosphate–guanosine island methylator phenotype (CIMP) was performed. Membranous/cytoplasmic and nuclear TrkB were strongly, inversely correlated (P < 0.0001; r = −0.41). Membranous/cytoplasmic TrkB was overexpressed in buds compared to the main tumour body (P < 0.0001), associated with larger tumours (P = 0.0236), high‐grade budding (P = 0.0011) and KRAS mutation (P = 0.0008). Nuclear TrkB was absent in buds (P <0.0001) and in high‐grade budding cancers (P =0.0073). Among patients with membranous/cytoplasmic TrkB‐positive buds, high tumour membranous/cytoplasmic TrkB expression was a significant, independent adverse prognostic factor [P = 0.033; 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–3.05]. Inverse correlations between membranous/cytoplasmic TrkB and Ki‐67 (r = −0.41; P < 0.0001) and caspase‐3 (r =−0.19; P < 0.05) were observed.ConclusionsMembranous/cytoplasmic TrkB may promote an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like phenotype with high‐grade budding and maintain viability of buds themselves.
Hyperplasia of the submucosal glands of the columnar‐lined oesophagus
Authors: Lörinc Ester , Öberg Stefan 
Published: November 2014

AimTo evaluate the presence of multi‐layered epithelium (ME) and to compare the distribution, size and morphology of the oesophageal submucosal glands (SMG) beneath reflux exposed metaplastic columnar mucosa with those of normal squamous epithelium in patients with columnar‐lined oesophagus (CLO).Methods and resultsIn eight oesophageal resection specimens, the SMG of the metaplastic segments were significantly larger than those in the squamous segments of patients with CLO (0.81 versus 0.56 mm2, P = <0.001). There was an accumulation of SMG close to the neosquamocolumnar junction (NSCJ), as indicated by a higher median frequency of SMG (0.080 SMG/mm) compared with that of the squamous (0.013 SMG/mm) and metaplastic segments (0.031 SMG/mm) (P = 0.022). The frequency of ME was significantly higher in the metaplastic compared with the normal squamous segments (1/158 mm and 1/341 mm, respectively, P = 0.028) and ME was found almost exclusively (96%) in direct connection with the excretory ducts of SMG.ConclusionsHyperplasia of SMG in the metaplastic segment, accumulation of SMG near the NSCJ, the presence of ME in connection with the excretory ducts of SMG and metaplasia are all reflux‐induced morphological changes, possibly induced by stimulation of progenitors in the excretory ducts of the SMG.
Endodontic performance by Flemish dentists: have they evolved?
Authors: Neukermans M. , Vanobbergen J. , De Bruyne M. , Meire M. , De Moor R. J. G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo gather information on aspects of endodontic practice and referral behaviour by Flemish (Dutch‐speaking Belgian) dentists and to compare the results with an earlier investigation.MethodologyA postal questionnaire was distributed to 4468 active Flemish dentists. It consisted of multiple‐choice questions on endodontic practice and endodontic referral need. Basic information on age, gender, year of qualification and clinical specialty was also obtained. The questionnaire was free of charge to return. Data were imported in a database, subjected to descriptive and analytical statistics and compared to those of an earlier, comparable survey.ResultsThe response rate was 18.5%. Of all respondents, 95% were general practitioners. More than half (56%) of the respondents never or seldom used rubber dam during endodontic treatment. The use of sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant was well established (80% of respondents using it), whereas the use of EDTA was limited. Female respondents were more likely to refer to an endodontist than male (70 versus 49%). Referrals for treatment of root canal obstruction (48%), perforations and root resorption (42%) and retreatment (39%) were rated ‘very important’. Younger respondents more frequently made use of magnification, rotary instruments and rubber dam. Activation of irrigants was incorporated by a small number of respondents (50% never, 12.6% seldom). Cold lateral condensation was used by most GDPs (35.3% always, 19.5% frequently).ConclusionsEndodontic practice of general dentists in Flanders did not always comply with quality guidelines. However, when comparing the present data with those of a previous study, an obvious trend towards a more present‐day treatment protocol is noticeable, as well as an increased appeal for endodontic referral.
Enhancement of CD8+ T‐cell memory by removal of a vaccinia virus nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor
Authors: Ren Hongwei , Ferguson Brian J. , de Motes Carlos Maluquer , Sumner Rebecca P. , Harman Laura E. R , Smith Geoffrey L. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryFactors influencing T‐cell responses are important for vaccine development but are incompletely understood. Here, vaccinia virus (VACV) protein N1 is shown to impair the development of both effector and memory CD8+ T cells and this correlates with its inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. Infection with VACVs that either have the N1L gene deleted (vΔN1) or contain a I6E mutation (vN1.I6E) that abrogates its inhibition of NF‐κB resulted in increased central and memory CD8+ T‐cell populations, increased CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity and lower virus titres after challenge. Furthermore, CD8+ memory T‐cell function was increased following infection with vN1.I6E, with more interferon‐γ production and greater protection against VACV infection following passive transfer to naive mice, compared with CD8+ T cells from mice infected with wild‐type virus (vN1.WT). This demonstrates the importance of NF‐κB activation within infected cells for long‐term CD8+ T‐cell memory and vaccine efficacy. Further, it provides a rationale for deleting N1 from VACV vectors to enhance CD8+ T‐cell immunogenicity, while simultaneously reducing virulence to improve vaccine safety.
Synthesis and Thermal, Structural, Dielectric, Magnetic and Magnetoelectric Studies of BiFeO3‐MgFe2O4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Hemant , Yadav Kanhaiya Lal 
Published: November 2014

Spinel–perovskite magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposites xMgFe2O4–(1−x)BiFeO3, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 were synthesized by sol‐gel method and characterized by differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction analysis, dielectric and magnetic measurements. The samples were calcined at various temperatures and then the effect of annealing temperature on structural and magnetic properties was studied. From transmission electron microscopy, the average crystal size was found to be 30–50 nm. The magnetic behavior is found to be dependent on annealing temperature and magnesium ferrite content. The dielectric behavior with frequency and temperature has been modified with the induction of magnesium ferrite. The relative change of dielectric constant with magnetic field was observed in the nanocomposites. This relative change of magnetic field‐induced dielectric constant can also be expressed by Δε ~ γM2 (where γ is magnetoelectric coupling coefficient).
Rapid Bonding of Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2 by Pulsed Electrical Current Heating
Authors: Shen Lu , Xue Jianming , Barsoum Michel W. , Huang Qing 
Published: November 2014

Inspired by pressure resistance welding of metallic materials, herein we describe how two MAX phases—Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2—were successfully joined by a rapid electric current heating method in a pulsed electric current sintering furnace. No welding agent was employed and the total processing time was less than 6 min. When the bulk temperature of the joint couple exceeded 1070°C, good joints, with shear strength above 50 MPa, were achieved in both homo‐ and heterojunction joints.
Flame‐Spray‐Processed CuO–WO3 Nanopowders as Photocatalysts
Authors: Lee Jusang , Gouma Pelagia I. 
Published: November 2014

The scalable synthesis of Cu‐doped WO3 nanomaterials from molecular precursors is addressed here. A desktop flame spray pyrolysis process was used to synthesize of the oxide with 20 nm average diameter of the orthorhombic phase polymorph, which is the stable phase for WO3. The as‐sprayed nanoparticles exhibit superior photoelectrical response to visible light illumination compared with nanoparticles of the same system processed by other routes.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipose tissue augments lipolysis
Authors: Bogdanovic Elena , Kraus Nicole , Patsouris David , Diao Li , Wang Vivian , Abdullahi Abdikarim , Jeschke Marc G 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle important for protein synthesis and folding, lipid synthesis and Ca2+ homoeostasis. Consequently, ER stress or dysfunction affects numerous cellular processes and has been implicated as a contributing factor in several pathophysiological conditions. Tunicamycin induces ER stress in various cell types in vitro as well as in vivo. In mice, a hallmark of tunicamycin administration is the development of fatty livers within 24–48 hrs accompanied by hepatic ER stress. We hypothesized that tunicamycin would induce ER stress in adipose tissue that would lead to increased lipolysis and subsequently to fatty infiltration of the liver and hepatomegaly. Our results show that intraperitoneal administration of tunicamycin rapidly induced an ER stress response in adipose tissue that correlated with increased circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol along with decreased adipose tissue mass and lipid droplet size. Furthermore, we found that in addition to fatty infiltration of the liver as well as hepatomegaly, lipid accumulation was also present in the heart, skeletal muscle and kidney. To corroborate our findings to a clinical setting, we examined adipose tissue from burned patients where increases in lipolysis and the development of fatty livers have been well documented. We found that burned patients displayed significant ER stress within adipose tissue and that ER stress augments lipolysis in cultured human adipocytes. Our results indicate a possible role for ER stress induced lipolysis in adipose tissue as an underlying mechanism contributing to increases in circulating FFAs and fatty infiltration into other organs.