bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceleration of small bowel transit in a canine hypermotility model with intestinal electrical stimulation
Authors: Wang Wei Feng , Yin Jie Yun , Chen Jian De DZ 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveFew studies have been performed on the effect of intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) on intestinal dysmotility. This study aimed to investigate the small intestine transit (SIT) in a canine model of intestinal hypermotility when applying IES.MethodSix hound bitches were surgically prepared with two chronic intestinal fistulas, intestinal serosal electrodes of which the proximal pair was used for serosal IES. Pacing wires were attached to a manometric catheter for mucosal IES. A nitrogen oxide synthase inhibitor, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (LNNA) was used to induce intestinal motility. SIT was measured during IES. The study consisted of four randomized sessions: session 1 (LNNA), session 2 (LNNA plus serosal IES), session 3 (LNNA plus mucosal IES) and session 4 (control).ResultsThe intestine transit was slowed down from 31.7 ± 6.1 min in the control session to 49.0 ± 6.2 min after using LNNA (P = 0.003). Both mucosal and serosal IES accelerated SIT compared with the LNNA session. The SIT time was reduced to 17.7 ± 3.4 min in the mucosal IES session (P = 0.006 vs LNNA) and 27.5 ± 6.3 min in the serosal IES session (P = 0.020 vs LNNA). No difference was noted in the SIT time between mucosal and serosal IES (P = 0.128).ConclusionIES significantly accelerates delayed SIT in a hypermotility model and intraluminal stimulation is as effective as a serosal one for IES, suggesting that IES may have a therapeutic potential for improving intestinal motility.
Long‐term outcome in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after capsule endoscopy
Authors: Tan Wei , Ge Zhi Zheng , Gao Yun Jie , Li Xiao Bo , Dai Jun , Fu Seng Wang , Zhang Yao , Xue Han Bing , Zhao Yun Jia 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with rebleeding and long‐term outcomes after capsule endoscopy (CE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in a follow‐up study.MethodsData of consecutive patients who underwent CE due to OGIB from June 2002 to January 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with rebleeding, while Kaplan–Meier survival curves and the log–rank test were used to analyze cumulative rebleeding rates.ResultsThe overall rebleeding rate after CE in patients with OGIB was 28.6% (97/339) during a median follow‐up of 48 months (range 12–112 months). Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.473, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.576–3.881, P = 0.000), positive CE findings (HR 3.393, 95% CI 1.931–5.963, P = 0.000), hemoglobin ≤70 g/L before CE (HR 2.010, 95% CI 1.261–3.206, P = 0.003), nonspecific treatments (HR 2.500, 95% CI 1.625–3.848, P = 0.000) and the use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs after CE (HR 2.851, 95% CI 1.433–5.674, P = 0.003) were independent risk factors associated with rebleeding. Univariate analysis showed that chronic hepatitis was independently associated with rebleeding in CE‐negative patients (P = 0.021).ConclusionsCE has a significant impact on the long‐term outcome of patients with OGIB. Further investigation and close follow‐up in patients with OGIB and those with negative CE findings are necessary.
Intrinsic foot muscle and plantar tissue changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kumar C.G. Shashi , Rajagopal K.V. , Hande H. Manjunath , Maiya Arun G. , Mayya Shreemathi S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder with involvement of the neurovascular and muscular system. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is thought to be the principal cause of foot complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, foot evaluation using ultrasonography early in the course of diabetes has not gained due importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the thickness of intrinsic foot muscles, plantar skin, plantar fascia, and plantar fat pad in T2DM subjects with and without PN using musculoskeletal ultrasonography.MethodsThis study was conducted in 30 T2DM subjects with and without PN and 30 age‐matched non‐diabetes mellitus (NDM) subjects. After detailed clinical evaluation, high‐frequency musculoskeletal ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of the intrinsic foot muscles and plantar tissue thickness under the metatarsals. Data were analyzed using independent t‐tests to compare T2DM groups with NDM subjects, and one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test for between‐ and within‐group analyses.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the thickness of the intrinsic foot muscles and plantar tissue in T2DM compared with NDM subjects (P < 0.05). However, there were differences in intrinsic foot muscle and plantar tissue thickness between T2DM subjects with and without PN.ConclusionThere was a substantial decrease in intrinsic foot muscle and plantar tissue thickness in T2DM compared with NDM subjects, indicating that structural changes appear in the foot before PN develops. The techniques used in this study cannot exclude the possibility that neuropathic changes that are clinically undetectable may develop in parallel with changes in plantar tissues.
Outcomes of singleton and twin pregnancies complicated by pre‐existing diabetes and gestational diabetes: A population‐based study in Alberta, Canada, 2005–11
Authors: Lai Florence Y. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Dover Doug , Kaul Padma 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed the prevalence and pregnancy outcomes of pre‐existing diabetes mellitus (pre‐DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Alberta, Canada, 2005–11.Methods327 198 singleton and 5552 twin pregnancies resulting in live births or stillbirths were included. The odds ratios of adverse outcomes were evaluated comparing pre‐DM with no diabetes and GDM with no diabetes, controlling for maternal characteristics.ResultsDiabetes complicated 6.3% of pregnancies, with 88% being GDM. In singleton pregnancies, pre‐DM and GDM were associated with increased risks of pre‐eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.38 and 1.83, respectively), cesarean delivery (aOR 2.53, 1.55), spontaneous preterm (aOR 4.20, 1.71), and labor‐induced preterm (aOR 3.82, 2.00) in the mother, and macrosomia (aOR 2.11, 1.30), shoulder dystocia (aOR 1.54, 1.32), congenital anomalies (aOR 1.61, 1.20), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (aOR 3.81, 1.60) in the infants. In addition, pre‐DM was associated with an increased likelihood of stillbirth (aOR 3.73) and neonatal death (aOR 2.00) compared with non‐diabetic pregnancies. In twin pregnancies, pre‐DM was associated with increased risks of spontaneous (aOR 3.54) and labor‐induced (aOR 3.57) preterm births, large for gestational age (LGA) infants (aOR 3.73), congenital anomalies (aOR 3.05) and NICU admissions (aOR 2.91); GDM was associated with an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (aOR 1.54), cesarean delivery (aOR 1.57), and LGA infants (aOR 1.63).ConclusionsPre‐existing diabetes confers higher risks than GDM. Diabetes is associated with adverse outcomes in singleton and twin pregnancies, and the increased risks are generally similar or less in twins, probably due to their higher “baseline” risks and closer clinical monitoring.
Lower irisin level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case‐control study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Chun , Ding Zhi , Lv Guoqiang , Li Jianping , Zhou Ping , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundIrisin is a newly identified myokine in mice and humans. Many studies have reported irisin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The large variations in irisin concentrations in different studies may be attributable to differences in sample size or populations. The aim of the present study was to establish an accurate confidence interval of irisin levels in T2DM patients using a case‐control study and large‐scale meta‐analysis.MethodsSerum irisin concentrations were determined in newly diagnosed T2DM patients (n = 50) and age‐ and body mass index‐matched controls (n = 50) in a case‐control study. Further, a meta‐analysis was conducted to verify whether circulating irisin concentrations are lower in patients with T2DM. All publications regarding the association between irisin and T2DM in Medline, PubMed and EMBase were retrieved using the keywords “irisin” and “myokine”. Review Manager 5.0 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) was used to pool the data.ResultsIn the case‐control study, irisin concentrations were lower in newly diagnosed T2DM patients compared with healthy controls. In the meta‐analysis, the pooled data indicated that irisin concentrations were 24.46 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.31, 39.60; P = 0.002) lower in T2DM patients than healthy controls.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that circulating irisin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with T2DM.
The influence of industry actions on the availability of alcoholic beverages in the African region
Authors: Babor Thomas F. , Robaina Katherine , Jernigan David 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsThe alcohol beverage industry has been expanding its corporate social responsibility and other business activities in sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of these activities on the physical, economic, psychological and social availability of alcohol in the region.MethodsNarrative review. Source materials came from the business press, industry sources (websites, annual reports, press releases, conference proceedings) and the scientific literature published since 2000.ResultsThe alcohol industry has intensified its activities in the African region, through their funding of social aspect organizations, technical publications, policy workshops and other corporate social responsibility activities. Marketing campaigns, new product designs and the development of industry‐civil society partnerships have increased. There is evidence that the alcohol industry also engages in lobbying, information dissemination and legal action to thwart effective public health measures.ConclusionsThe corporate social responsibility activities of the global alcohol industry have provided a vehicle to promote industry‐favorable policies and increase the physical, economic, social and psychological availability of alcohol.
Safety of sublingual immunotherapy Timothy grass tablet in subjects with allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis and history of asthma
Authors: Maloney J. , Durham S. , Skoner D. , Dahl R. , Bufe A. , Bernstein D. , Murphy K. , Waserman S. , Berman G. , White M. , Kaur A. , Nolte H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients with asthma may be more susceptible to adverse events (AEs) with sublingual immunotherapy tablet (SLIT‐tablet) treatment, such as severe systemic reactions and asthma‐related events. Using data from eight trials of grass SLIT‐tablet in subjects with allergic rhinitis with/without conjunctivitis (AR/C), AE frequencies were determined in adults and children with and without reported asthma.MethodsData from randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of Timothy grass SLIT‐tablet MK‐7243 (2800 BAU/75 000 SQ‐T, Merck/ALK‐Abelló) were pooled for post hoc analyses. Subjects with uncontrolled and severe asthma were excluded from the trials. Frequencies for treatment‐emergent AEs (TEAEs), local allergic swelling (mouth or throat), systemic allergic reactions, and asthma‐related treatment‐related AEs (TRAEs) were calculated.ResultsAmong adults (n = 3314) and children (n = 881), 24% and 31%, respectively, had reported asthma. No serious local allergic swellings or serious systemic allergic reactions occurred in subjects with asthma treated with SLIT‐tablet. There was no evidence of increased TEAEs, systemic allergic reactions, or severe local allergic swellings in adults or children with asthma treated with grass SLIT‐tablet versus subjects without asthma in or outside of pollen season. There were 6/120 asthma‐related TRAEs assessed as severe with grass SLIT‐tablet and 2/60 with placebo, without a consistent trend among subjects with and without asthma (5 and 3 events, respectively).ConclusionsIn the AR/C subjects with reported well‐controlled mild asthma included in these studies, grass SLIT‐tablet did not increase TEAE frequency, severe local allergic swelling, or systemic allergic reactions versus subjects without asthma. There was no indication that treatment led to acute asthma worsening.
Decreased umbilical orexin‐A level is associated with idiopathic polyhydramnios
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Hong Hye‐Ri , Kim Suhng Wook , Hong Soon Cheol , Oh Min‐Jeong , Kim Hai Joon 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association between orexin‐A level and idiopathic polyhydramnios.DesignCase‐control study.SettingTertiary‐level university hospital.PopulationTen term pregnant women with idiopathic polyhydramnios and, as the control group, 20 pregnant women with normal amniotic fluid levels.MethodsAmniotic fluid level was measured at admission for delivery using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Maternal blood was obtained from a cannulated vein immediately before delivery, and umbilical blood was collected at the time of delivery, before the separation of the placenta.Main outcome measuresMaternal and umbilical levels of orexin‐A.ResultsMean umbilical serum orexin‐A level was significantly lower than maternal serum orexin‐A level. Umbilical serum orexin‐A level was positively correlated with maternal serum orexin‐A level, but negatively correlated with amniotic fluid index and birthweight. Umbilical serum orexin‐A level was lower in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group than in the control group. However, no difference in maternal serum orexin‐A level was observed between the two groups.ConclusionsIdiopathic polyhydramnios was associated with decreased umbilical serum orexin‐A levels. Our results provide evidence that orexin‐A expression may be involved in amniotic fluid regulation, causing polyhydramnios by downregulation.
Information and knowledge about Down syndrome among women and partners after first trimester combined testing
Authors: Ternby Ellen , Ingvoldstad Charlotta , Annerén Göran , Lindgren Peter , Axelsson Ove 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe assessed reasons among women and partners for choosing combined ultrasound‐biochemistry testing, information and knowledge about Down syndrome and decisions concerning invasive procedures and termination of pregnancy in a prospective cohort study in Uppsala County. In all 105 pregnant women and 104 partners coming for a combined ultrasound‐biochemistry test answered a questionnaire. The most common reason for a combined ultrasound‐biochemistry test was “to perform all tests possible to make sure the baby is healthy”. Internet and midwives were the most common sources of information. Seventy‐two percent had not received information on what it means to live with a child with Down syndrome. Many expectant parents perceived information as insufficient. Both women and partners had varying or low levels of knowledge about medical, cognitive and social consequences of Down syndrome. Twenty‐five percent had not decided on an invasive test if indicated and only 42% would consider termination of pregnancy with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Robot‐assisted surgery in cervical cancer patients reduces the time to normal activities of daily living
Authors: Asciutto Katrin C. , Kalapotharakos Grigorios , Löfgren Mats , Högberg Thomas , Borgfeldt Christer 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate current surgical cervical cancer treatment in Sweden 2008–12.Design and settingAnalysis of data in the Swedish National Quality Register for Gynecological Surgery (GynOP).SampleA total of 249 cervical cancer patients undergoing surgery.MethodsAnalysis of prospectively gathered preoperative and postoperative data including patient‐reported information.Main outcome measuresMean operating time, blood loss/transfusion, length of hospital stay, return to activities of daily living.ResultsThe patients undergoing laparoscopic robot‐assisted surgery (n = 64) or laparotomy (n = 185) did not differ in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage or mean operating time. Blood loss was higher in the laparotomy group (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients in the laparotomy group (7%) received a blood transfusion, but none in the robot group. Intraoperative complications were more common in the laparotomy group (p = 0.03). Re‐admission or operations did not differ between the groups. The number of pelvic lymph nodes removed was significantly higher in the laparotomy group (median 31 vs. 24, p < 0.001). There was no difference regarding the number of patients with lymph node metastases in the two groups. The postoperative length of hospital stay was longer in the laparotomy group compared with the robot group (6.1 days vs. 2.1 days, p = 0.01). The patient‐reported time to resume normal activities of daily living was longer in the laparotomy than the robot group (13.4 days vs. 9.7 days, p = 0.04).ConclusionsLaparoscopic robotic‐assisted surgery is preferable to laparotomy for cervical cancer patients because it entails a significantly shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, fewer intraoperative complications and shorter time to normal daily activities.
Comparative efficacy of up to 50% partial fish meal replacement with fermented soybean meal or enzymatically prepared soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal microflora in weaned pigs
Authors: Jeong Jin Suk , Kim In Ho 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the comparative efficacy of partial fish meal (FM) replacement (up to 50%) with fermented soybean meal (FSBM; SoELAB, PepSoyGen and Soytide) or enzymatically prepared SBM (HP 300) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal microflora in weaned pigs. A total of 100 weaned pigs (body weight 6.59 ± 0.29 kg) were used in experimental feeding trials, lasting for up to 6 weeks, and were randomly allotted to five groups with four block replicates of five pigs per pen serving as one block. Dietary treatments were as follows: (i) 100% FM, (ii) 50% FM + 50% SoELAB‐54, (iii) 50% FM + 50% PepSoyGen, (iv) 50% FM + 50% Soytide and (v) 50% FM + 50% HP 300. Concerning growth performance, none of the treated SBM preparations demonstrated any significantly different effect compared with FM treatment. With respect to nutrient digestibility, SoELAB and HP 300 treatments demonstrated no significant difference compared with FM treatment. Lastly, none of the SBM preparations demonstrated any significant differences in animal fecal score and all of the differentially treated SBM increased fecal Lactobacillus counts, while maintaining similar Escherichia coli counts compared with FM treatment.
Amphibian Hotspots and Conservation Priorities in Eastern Cuba Identified by Species Distribution Modeling
Authors: Fong G. Ansel , Viña Dávila Nicasio , López‐Iborra Germán M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe high rate of amphibian endemism and the severe habitat modification in the Caribbean islands make them an ideal place to test if the current protected areas network might protect this group. In this study, we model distribution and map species richness of the 40 amphibian species from eastern Cuba with the objectives of identify hotspots, detect gaps in species representation in protected areas, and select additional areas to fill these gaps. We used two modeling methods, Maxent and Habitat Suitability Models, to reach a consensus distribution map for each species, then calculate species richness by combining specific models and finally performed gap analyses for species and hotspots. Our results showed that the models were robust enough to predict species distributions and that most of the amphibian hotspots were represented in reserves, but 50 percent of the species were incompletely covered and Eleutherodactylus rivularis was totally uncovered by the protected areas. We identified 1441 additional km2 (9.9% of the study area) that could be added to the current protected areas, allowing the representation of every species and all hotspots. Our results are relevant for the conservation planning in other Caribbean islands, since studies like this could contribute to fill the gaps in the existing protected areas and to design a future network. Both cases would benefit from modeling amphibian species distribution using available data, even if they are incomplete, rather than relying only in the protection of known or suspected hotspots.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzoyl Diarylamine/ether Derivatives as Potential Anti‐HIV‐1 Agents
Authors: Zhang Lingzi , Guo Jian , Liu Xin , Liu Huiqing , De Clercq Erik , Pannecouque Christophe , Liu Xinyong 
Published: December 2014

A series of benzoyl diarylamine/ether derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in MT‐4 cells. Three compounds (3b, 5a, and 6a1) exhibited moderate activities against wild‐type (wt) HIV‐1 with EC50 values ranging from 11 to 56 μm. Among them, compound 5a was the most potent inhibitor with a novel chemical skeleton, affording a new lead compound for further molecular optimization. An enzyme assay was also implemented to confirm the binding target of the active compounds represented by 6a1. Molecular simulation studies on compound 5a, 6a1, and 7a4 were carried out to understand their binding mode with wt HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and provided useful information for further rational design of NNRTIs.
Epidemiology of anaphylaxis
Authors: Tejedor Alonso M. A. , Moro Moro M. , Múgica García M. V. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryKnowledge about the epidemiology of anaphylaxis is based on data from various sources: clinical practice, large secondary clinical and administrative databases of primary care or hospitalized patients, and recent surveys with representative samples of the general population. As several similar results are often reported in several publications and populations, such findings are highly like to be robust. One such finding is that the incidence and prevalence of anaphylaxis are higher than previously thought. Publications from the last 5 years reveal an incidence of between 50 and 112 episodes per 100 000 person‐years; estimated prevalence is 0.3–5.1% depending on the rigour of the definitions used. Figures are higher in children, especially those aged 0–4 years. Publications from various geographical areas based on clinical and administrative data on hospitalized patients suggest that the frequency of admissions due to anaphylaxis has increased (5–7‐fold in the last 10–15 years). Other publications point to a geographic gradient in the incidence of anaphylaxis, with higher frequencies recorded in areas with few hours of sunlight. However, these trends could be the result of factors other than a real change in the incidence of anaphylaxis, such as changes in disease coding and in the care provided. Based on data from the records of voluntary declarations of death by physicians and from large national databases, death from anaphylaxis remains very infrequent and stands at 0.35–1.06 deaths per million people per year, with no increases observed in the last 10–15 years. Although anaphylaxis can be fatal, recurrence of anaphylaxis – especially that associated with atopic diseases and hymenoptera stings – affects 26.5–54% of patients.