bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spectra, symptom profiles and overlap of Rome III functional gastrointestinal disorders in a tertiary center in South China
Authors: Xiong Li Shou , Shi Quan , Gong Xiao Rong , Cui Yi , Chen Min Hu 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveMost previous studies exploring the overlap of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) focus on the overlap between functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we aimed to explore the spectra, symptom profiles and overlap of all FGID using the validated Chinese version of the Rome III questionnaire.MethodsConsecutive newly diagnosed FGID patients who were admitted to the Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic from 10 May to 10 September 2012 were recruited in the study. All the patients complained of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for at least 3 months with a symptom onset of at least 6 months before diagnosis after excluded organic diseases. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were asked to complete the scoring algorithm for the Rome III integrated questionnaire.ResultsAmong 350 eligible patients, 302 (86.3%) returned completed questionnaires. A total of six major domains including 17 disorders were diagnosed. The four most prevalent FGID were FD (54.6%), IBS (40.7%), unspecified functional bowel disorder (13.9%) and functional constipation (12.6%). The three most prevalent symptoms in FGID were abdominal pain (66.2%), loose stool (58.3%) and abdominal bloating/distension (56.3%). Of the 302 patients, 152 (50.3%) had one to five overlapping FGID. Only functional bloating had no overlap. Six patients had five overlapping FGID simultaneously. In all, 63 patients had overlapping FD and IBS.ConclusionsThis study provided the detailed spectra and symptom profiles for all FGID. Overlapping FGID are common in China.
Biochemical markers of bone resorption are present in human milk: implications for maternal and neonatal bone metabolism
Authors: Bouroutzoglou Maria , Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne , Boutsikou Maria , Marmarinos Antonios , Baka Stavroula , Boutsikou Theodora , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Briana Despina D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study investigated breast milk and maternal serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone resorption, which may be implicated in both maternal and neonatal bone metabolism.MethodsTests were carried out on 85 parturients 3–4 days after they gave birth. We measured their breast milk and serum concentrations for soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (sRANKL) and cross‐linked N‐telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx). The sRANKL and NTx concentrations were associated with several perinatal parameters.ResultsSoluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand was detectable in breast milk at considerably lower concentrations than in maternal serum (p < 0.001), and these breast milk sRANKL concentrations were decreased in maternal diabetes (b = −0.366, 95% CI −0.622 to −0.110, p = 0.006). Breast milk NTx concentrations were higher in exclusive lactation (b = 0.269, 95% CI 0.014–0.524, p = 0.039), but lower in Caesarean sections (b = −0.224, 95% CI −0.428 to −0.019, p = 0.032).ConclusionSoluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand is downregulated in breast milk, particularly in the case of diabetes. Breast milk NTx upregulation characterises exclusive lactation, and its downregulation characterises Caesarean section deliveries. Nutritional interventions in foetal life and early infancy may programme adult bone health and ameliorate diseases with developmental origins, such as osteoporosis.
Food hypersensitivity is common in Swedish schoolchildren, especially oral reactions to fruit and gastrointestinal reactions to milk
Authors: Strinnholm Åsa , Winberg Anna , West Christina , Hedman Linnea , Rönmark Eva 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study examined the prevalence, symptom expression and risk factors for food hypersensitivity among Swedish schoolchildren.MethodsParents of 2585 (96% of invited) children aged 7–8 years completed a questionnaire regarding food hypersensitivity and allergic diseases. A random sample of 1700 children (90% of invited) also participated in skin prick testing with ten airborne allergens.ResultsThe overall prevalence of reported food hypersensitivity to milk, egg, fish, wheat, soya, fruits and, or, nuts was 21%, with symptoms caused by milk (9%) being the most common. The most frequently reported symptoms were oral symptoms (47.4%), mainly caused by fruit, and gastrointestinal symptoms (45.7%), mainly caused by milk. Factors associated with any food hypersensitivity were female sex, allergic heredity and a positive skin prick test. Eczema was consistently associated with symptoms caused by milk, egg, fish, wheat, soya, fruits and nuts. Rhinitis was associated to the same foods, except milk.ConclusionReported food hypersensitivity was common among Swedish schoolchildren. The most frequent symptom expressions were oral symptoms triggered by fruits and gastrointestinal symptoms triggered by milk. The high prevalence of reported symptoms should be validated by clinical examinations to provide a diagnosis.
Design principles and developmental mechanisms underlying retinal mosaics
Authors: Reese Benjamin E. , Keeley Patrick W. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTMost structures within the central nervous system (CNS) are composed of different types of neuron that vary in both number and morphology, but relatively little is known about the interplay between these two features, i.e. about the population dynamics of a given cell type. How such arrays of neurons are distributed within a structure, and how they differentiate their dendrites relative to each other, are issues that have recently drawn attention in the invertebrate nervous system, where the genetic and molecular underpinnings of these organizing principles are being revealed in exquisite detail. The retina is one of the few locations where these principles have been extensively studied in the vertebrate CNS, indeed, where the design principles of ‘mosaic regularity’ and ‘uniformity of coverage’ were first explicitly defined, quantified, and related to each other. Recent studies have revealed a number of genes that influence the formation of these histotypical features in the retina, including homologues of those invertebrate genes, although close inspection reveals that they do not always mediate comparable developmental processes nor elucidate fundamental design principles. The present review considers just how pervasive these features of ‘mosaic regularity’ and ‘uniform dendritic coverage’ are within the mammalian retina, discussing the means by which such features can be assessed in the mature and developing nervous system and examining the limitations associated with those assessments. We then address the extent to which these two design principles co‐exist within different populations of neurons, and how they are achieved during development. Finally, we consider the neural phenotypes obtained in mutant nervous systems, to address whether a prospective gene of interest underlies those very design principles.
Nurses caring for ENT patients in a district general hospital without a dedicated ENT ward score significantly less in a test of knowledge than nurses caring for ENT patients in a dedicated ENT ward in a comparable district general hospital
Authors: Foxton C.R. , Black D. , Muhlschlegel J. , Jardine A. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo assess whether there is a difference in ENT knowledge amongst nurses caring for patients on a dedicated ENT ward and nurses caring for ENT patients in a similar hospital without a dedicated ENT ward.DesignA test of theoretical knowledge of ENT nursing care was devised and administered to nurses working on a dedicated ENT ward and then to nurses working on generic non‐subspecialist wards regularly caring for ENT patients in a hospital without a dedicated ENT ward. The test scores were then compared.SettingA single specialist ENT/Maxillo‐Facial/Opthalmology ward in hospital A and 3 generic surgical wards in hospital B. Both hospitals are comparable district general hospitals in the south west of England.ParticipantsNursing staff working in hospital A and hospital B on the relevant wards were approached during the working day. 11 nurses on ward 1, 10 nurses on ward 2, 11 nurses on ward 3 and 10 nurses on ward 4 (the dedicated ENT ward).Main outcome measuresEach individual test score was used to generate an average score per ward and these scores compared to see if there was a significant difference.ResultsThe average score out of 10 on ward 1 was 6.8 (+/−1.6). The average score on ward two was 4.8 (+/−1.6). The average score on ward three was 5.5 (+/−2.1). The average score on ward 4, which is the dedicated ENT ward, was 9.7 (+/−0.5). The differences in average test score between the dedicated ENT ward and all of the other wards are statistically significant.ConclusionNurses working on a dedicated ENT ward have an average higher score in a test of knowledge than nurses working on generic surgical wards. This difference is statistically significant and persists despite banding or training.
Outcome of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for external rectal prolapse
Authors: Randall J. , Smyth E. , McCarthy K. , Dixon A. R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe study assessed the efficacy of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for full thickness external rectal prolapse (ERP), including recurrent prolapse.MethodA prospective database identified all patients undergoing LVMR for ERP over the 16‐year period to December 2013. Clinical outcome, Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), quality of life (QOL) and patient‐reported outcome were evaluated.ResultsIn total, 190 LVMRs (87% women) were performed during the study period, with a median active follow‐up of 29 (1–196) months; 120 had a follow‐up > 5 years and 16 > 10 years. The median time from surgery was 73 (1–196) months. The 60‐day mortality, recurrence and mesh‐related complication rates were 1%, 3% and 3.7%. The mean improvement in CCIS was 8 (P < 0.0001). Sixty‐two patients returned a complete sequence of QOL scores (Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire 22), which had improved by 46% at year 1 and were sustained at a median of 4 years (P < 0.001). Mean patient‐reported outcome measures for satisfaction at final review in 119 responders was 9.1/10. Thirty‐nine patients underwent LVMR for recurrent ERP following perineal repair. Of these, full thickness recurrence occurred in one and there were no mesh complications. The same sustained improvement in QOL was observed.ConclusionLVMR for ERP is associated with low morbidity and recurrence and a long‐term improvement in function and QOL. LVMR achieves the same benefits after a failed perineal procedure.
In vitro combined treatment with cetuximab and trastuzumab inhibits growth of colon cancer cells
Authors: Luca T. , Barresi V. , Privitera G. , Musso N. , Caruso M. , Condorelli D. F. , Castorina S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesOverexpression or constitutive activation of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) is involved in growth of human cancers. We investigated effects of EGFR and HER‐2 blockade in colon cancer cell lines using cetuximab and trastuzumab, with the aim of developing novel approaches to cancer therapy.Materials and methodsWe studied effects of treatment on cell growth, cell cycle distribution, induction of apoptosis, changes in EGFR and HER‐2 mRNA‐protein expression and EGFR and HER‐2 gene copy number in Caco‐2, HT‐29 and HCT‐116 cells.ResultsTreatment of cells resulted in no effect in one of the three cell lines and in inhibition of cell proliferation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in the other two, with modulation of EGFR and HER‐2 mRNA and protein levels. Differences in sensitivity to cetuximab and trastuzumab were observed. Treatment induced specific changes in cell cycle distribution in both cell lines affected, while apoptosis was not increased. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed abnormal copy number of two genes resulting from aneuploidy; this was not responsible for different sensitivity to combination between the two cell lines.ConclusionsTargeting EGFR and HER‐2 simultaneously could have useful applications in colorectal cancer treatment. To improve pharmacological efficacy of cetuximab and trastuzumab combination, molecular mechanisms involved in their activity need to be elucidated.
Predictive value of serum Hs‐CRP levels for outcomes of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Araz Omer , Yilmazel Ucar Elif , Yalcin Aslıhan , Kelercioglu Nazli , Meral Mehmet , Gorguner Ali Metin , Akgun Metin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnostic utility of novel biomarkers in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is still under investigation. While many studies emphasize that high serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) has a moderate relation with PE, few studies show that Hs‐CRP can be used to predict the outcome of the treatment.AimsIn this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between serum levels of Hs‐CRP and reperfusion of pulmonary tissue. As a secondary objective, the correlation between Hs‐CRP and subgroups of PE was investigated.MethodsA total of 85 patients with PE, 38 male (44.7%) and 47 female (55.3%) with an average age of 65.5 ± 13.4, were included in this prospective observational study. Samples of blood were collected before and 48 h after the inception of fibrinolytic therapy.ResultThe correlation of changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels with reperfusion duration was statistically significant (r = 0.548, P = 0.01). Second, we found that some subgroups of PE (massive PE: r = 0.719, P = 0.001, and minor PE: r = 0.529, P = 0.001) had a relation with changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels, whereas some had none (submassive PE: r = 0.136, P = 0.215).ConclusionChanges in serum Hs‐CRP levels can be a potential predictor of the outcomes for patients with PE. Additionally, this value of change can notify the presence of some subgroups of PE (massive and minor PE).
Assessment of neural alterations in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: can apparent diffusion coefficient measurements be useful?
Authors: Kacar Emre , Sarinc Ulasli Sevinc , Günay Ersin , Güngör Gülay , Ünlü Ebru , Beker Acay Mehtap , Koyuncu Tülay , Ünlü Mehmet , Haktanir Alpay 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsOur aim was to investigate whether neurological alteration in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) with apparently normal cerebral and cerebellar structures can be assessed by means of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement and to investigate the association between OSAS severity and ADC values.MethodsFollowing the acquisition of diffusion‐weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging, ADC measurements were performed in 24 different apparently normal cerebral and cerebellar structures, including the bilateral frontal and parietal cortices, insulae, cingulate gyri, hippocampi, frontal and parieto‐occipital periventricular white matter (PWM), caudate nuclei, putamen, thalami, cerebellar hemispheres, pons and mesencephalon in 47 OSAS patients and 20 control subjects. The ADC values of the patients and the control group were compared. The association between the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) and the ADC values of the patients were investigated.ResultsThe ADC values in the bilateral frontal PWM were lower in the patient group than those in the control subjects (P < 0.05). The measurements in the right cingulate gyri of the OSAS patients exhibited significantly higher ADC values than those of the control group (P = 0.002). Bilateral thalamic ADC values in severe OSAS patients were significantly higher than those in mild and moderate OSAS patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe ADC measurement is a simple and effective technique to evaluate neural alteration of the brain in patients with OSAS. ADC measurements can also be useful in the evaluation of the association between the AHI and the degree of neural alteration in the central nervous system.
Influence of Pulmonary Vascular Reserve on Exercise‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Suzuki Kengo , Izumo Masaki , Kamijima Ryo , Mizukoshi Kei , Takai Manabu , Kida Keisuke , Yoneyama Kihei , Nobuoka Sachihiko , Yamada Hidehiro , Akashi Yoshihiro J. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundExercise‐induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered as an early preclinical functional phase of resting PH in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of exercise‐induced PH in patients with SSc and evaluated the influence of pulmonary vascular reserve on exercise‐induced PH.MethodsThis prospective study included 568 SSc patients. The patients with interstitial lung disease and those with left ventricular dysfunction were excluded (n = 50); finally, 518 patients underwent simple exercise echocardiography using a Master's two‐step. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e') and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were measured before and after exercise. ΔPVR (the difference between rest and post) was used for the assessment of pulmonary vascular reserve. All patients were stratified into the no exercise‐induced PH (SPAP <50 mmHg) or exercise‐induced PH (SPAP ≥50 mmHg, n = 133) group.ResultsOf the study patients, 27% patients were identified as having exercise‐induced PH. ΔPVR was higher in the exercise‐induced PH than no exercise‐induced PH group (0.2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.4 ± 0.4WU, P < 0.0001). A weak correlation was found between postexercise SPAP and postexercise E/e' (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001), whereas a strong correlation was found between postexercise SPAP and postexercise PVR (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001). The analyzed data demonstrated that ΔPVR was independently associated with exercise‐induced PH (odds ratio, 3.435; 95% CI, 1.013–11.650, P = 0.033).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that exercise‐induced PH was common in patients with SSc. Exercise‐induced PH might be closely associated with the factors affecting reduced pulmonary vascular reserve in patients with SSc.
Loss of adaptive variation during evolutionary responses to climate change
Authors: Buckley James , Bridle Jon R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe changes in species' geographical distribution demanded by climate change are often critically limited by the availability of key interacting species. In such cases, species' persistence will depend on the rapid evolution of biotic interactions. Understanding evolutionary limits to such adaptation is therefore crucial for predicting biological responses to environmental change. The recent poleward range expansion of the UK brown argus butterfly has been associated with a shift in female preference from its main host plant, rockrose (Cistaceae), onto Geraniaceae host plants throughout its new distribution. Using reciprocal transplants onto natural host plants across the UK range, we demonstrate reduced fitness of females from recently colonised Geraniaceae‐dominated habitat when moved to ancestral rockrose habitats. By contrast, individuals from ancestral rockrose habitats show no reduction in fitness on Geraniaceae. Climate‐driven range expansion in this species is therefore associated with the rapid evolution of biotic interactions and a significant loss of adaptive variation.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of zonisamide versus carbamazepine monotherapy for treatment of partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy: Results of a phase III, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Baulac Michel , Patten Anna , Giorgi Luigi 
Published: August 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the long‐term safety and maintenance of efficacy of monotherapy with once‐daily zonisamide versus twice‐daily controlled‐release carbamazepine for partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy.MethodsLong‐term, double‐blind, extension study, conducted in patients completing a phase III noninferiority trial comparing zonisamide and carbamazepine monotherapy. Patients continued their randomized treatment, with dosing adjusted according to tolerability/response (zonisamide 200–500 mg/day; carbamazepine 400–1,200 mg/day). Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and clinical laboratory parameters. Efficacy assessments included retention rate and the proportion of patients remaining seizure free for ≥24 months.ResultsOverall, 120 (87.6%) of 137 patients randomized to zonisamide and 134 (84.8%) of 158 patients randomized to carbamazepine completed the study. More than three‐fourths of patients were exposed to >24 months of treatment. For zonisamide versus carbamazepine, incidences were similar for TEAEs (52.6% vs. 46.2%), serious treatment‐related TEAEs (0.7% vs. 1.9%), and TEAEs leading to withdrawal (1.5% vs. 0.6%). The incidence of treatment‐related TEAEs was 26.3% for zonisamide compared with 19.6% for carbamazepine, and the most frequently reported treatment‐related TEAEs were decreased weight (5.1% vs. 0%), decreased appetite (3.6% vs. 0%), memory impairment (2.9% vs. 3.2%), and decreased hemoglobin level (1.5% vs. 3.2%). Most TEAEs were of mild or moderate intensity. There were no reports of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis in either group. Zonisamide was associated with small‐to‐moderate decreases in bicarbonate levels from baseline (mean −3.4 mm). There were no reports of metabolic acidosis. Retention rates were generally similar between treatment groups at all time points throughout the extension study. The proportion of patients remaining seizure free for ≥24 months was also similar for zonisamide (32.3%) and carbamazepine (35.2%).SignificanceOnce‐daily zonisamide monotherapy demonstrated favorable long‐term safety and maintenance of efficacy in treating partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy. No new or unexpected safety findings emerged.