bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe hepatic injury associated with different statins in patients with chronic liver disease: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chang Chia‐Hsuin , Chang Yi‐Cheng , Lee Yen‐Chieh , Liu Ying‐Chun , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Lin Jou‐Wei 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimThe hepatotoxicity of statins in patients with chronic liver diseases remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to estimate the risk of severe hepatic injury associated with different statins in patients with chronic liver disease.MethodsA nationwide population‐based cohort study was conducted by analyzing the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. A total of 37 929 subjects with chronic liver disease who started statin therapy were identified during the period of January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009. Outcome was defined as hospitalization due to liver injury.ResultsDuring a total of 118 772 person‐years of follow‐up, 912 incident cases of hospitalization due to hepatic injury are identified. The incidence rate was 2.95, 2.49, 2.92, 1.94, 2.65, and 2.52 per 100 000 person‐days for atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin initiators, respectively. Overall, there was no difference in the incidence associated with different statins. However, when each statin was further categorized to high (≧ 0.5 defined daily dose) or low (< 0.5 defined daily dose) mean daily dose, only high‐dose atorvastatin was significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization due to hepatic injury (hazard ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.29, 2.03) as compared with low‐dose atorvastatin.ConclusionThe overall incidence of hospitalization due to severe hepatic injury was low among statin initiators with chronic liver disease. Only high‐dose atorvastatin was associated with increased risk.
Repeated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy using CyberKnife for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lo Cheng‐Hsiang , Huang Wen‐Yen , Lin Kuen‐Tze , Lin Miao‐Jung , Lin Te‐Pao , Jen Yee‐Min 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and toxicities of repeated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsFourteen HCC patients with local recurrence (18 lesions) after liver SABR received repeated radiotherapy with SABR using CyberKnife. No patients experienced radiation‐induced liver disease after the first SABR course. The median first SABR dose was 41 Gy (range, 34–60 Gy); the median second SABR dose, 40 Gy (range, 25–50 Gy); and the median interval, 12.9 months. Local recurrence was divided into in‐field recurrence and out‐field recurrence.ResultsObjective responses were observed in 11 tumors (61.1%), including five tumors (27.8%) with complete responses. Intrahepatic out‐field failure was the main cause of treatment failure (7 of 14 patients). In‐field failure had developed in 1 of 18 tumors (5.6%), resulting in a 2‐year in‐field failure‐free rate of 88.2%. The median time to progression was 14.0 months, with 1‐ and 2‐year progression‐free survival rates of 68.6% and 42.9%, respectively. One‐ and two‐year overall survival rates were 76% and 59.1%, respectively. Of the 14 patients, one developed radiation‐induced liver disease and three showed progression of the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh class after the second SABR course. Other toxicities were generally mild and tolerable.ConclusionRepeated SABR in selected HCC patients is feasible with acceptable toxicity.
Serological markers associated with disease behavior and response to anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kevans David , Waterman Matti , Milgrom Raquel , Xu Wei , Van Assche Gert , Silverberg Mark 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimInformation is limited on the relationship between serological markers and disease behavior and anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF) therapy response in ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to determine the association between serological markers and unfavorable UC behavior defined as need for colectomy or UC‐related hospitalization. The association between serological markers and requirement for and outcome of anti‐TNF therapy was also evaluated.MethodsTwo hundred thirty patients were studied. Requirement for colectomy, UC‐related hospitalization, and anti‐TNF therapy were documented. Response to anti‐TNF therapy at 1 year and rates of therapy discontinuation were recorded. Titers of perinuclear anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCAs), anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), and antibody to Escherichia Coli outer membrane porin (anti‐OmpC) were determined. Antibody reference ranges were used to dichotomize subjects into seropositive and seronegative groups. Where multiple tests were performed, P‐values were Bonferroni corrected (pcorr).ResultsExtensive colitis was associated with requirement for colectomy and UC‐related hospitalization, HR 7.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–32.2) pcorr = 0.03 and HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.5–4.6), pcorr = 0.006, respectively. No serological variable was associated with unfavorable UC behavior. Anti‐OmpC positivity was associated with a lack of response to anti‐TNF therapy at 1 year (odds ratio 0.14 [95% CI 0.03–0.60], pcorr = 0.04) and increased likelihood of therapy discontinuation (HR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1–4.7], P = 0.03).ConclusionExtensive colitis is associated with unfavorable disease course in UC. Anti‐OmpC holds promise as a biomarker of anti‐TNF therapy response in UC; however, prospective studies are required before it can be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
A single non‐invasive model to diagnose non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Otgonsuren Munkhzul , Estep Michael J. , Hossain Nayeem , Younossi Elena , Frost Spencer , Henry Linda , Hunt Sharon , Fang Yun , Goodman Zachary , Younossi Zobair M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A liver biopsy is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing/staging NASH. Identification of NAFLD/NASH using non‐invasive tools is important for intervention. The study aims were to: develop/validate the predictive performance of a non‐invasive model (index of NASH [ION]); assess the performance of a recognized non‐invasive model (fatty liver index [FLI]) compared with ION for NAFLD diagnosis; determine which non‐invasive model (FLI, ION, or NAFLD fibrosis score [NFS]) performed best in predicting age‐adjusted mortality.MethodsFrom the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III database, anthropometric, clinical, ultrasound, laboratory, and mortality data were obtained (n = 4458; n = 861 [19.3%] NAFLD by ultrasound) and used to develop the ION model, and then to compare the ION and FLI models for NAFLD diagnosis. For validation and diagnosis of NASH, liver biopsy data were used (n = 152). Age‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard modeling estimated the association among the three non‐invasive tests (FLI, ION, and NFS) and mortality.ResultsFLI's threshold score > 60 and ION's threshold score > 22 had similar specificity (FLI = 80% vs ION = 82%) for NAFLD diagnosis; FLI < 30 (80% sensitivity) and ION < 11 (81% sensitivity) excluded NAFLD. An ION score > 50 predicted histological NASH (92% specificity); the FLI model did not predict NASH or mortality. The ION model was best in predicting cardiovascular/diabetes‐related mortality; NFS predicted overall or diabetes‐related mortality.ConclusionsThe ION model was superior in predicting NASH and mortality compared with the FLI model. Studies are needed to validate ION.
Comparison of multi‐ and single‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for assessment of body composition in post‐menopausal women: effects of body mass index and accelerometer‐determined physical activity
Authors: Gába A. , Kapuš O. , Cuberek R. , Botek M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundBioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used in research to assess body composition. However, studies that validate the accuracy of BIA exclusively in post‐menopausal women are lacking. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the agreement of multi‐frequency (MF)‐BIA and single‐frequency (SF)‐BIA with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the estimation of fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) among post‐menopausal women with variation in body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA).MethodsFM and FFM were estimated by BIA and DXA in 146 post‐menopausal women with a mean (SD) age of 62.8 (5.2) years. PA was determined by an accelerometer.ResultsThe mean (SD) difference between MF‐BIA and DXA was −1.8 (1.8) kg (P = 0.08) and 1.3 (1.8) kg (P = 0.01) for FM and FFM, respectively. SF‐BIA provided a significantly lower estimate of FM [−2.0 (2.2) kg; P = 0.04] and a higher estimate of FFM [1.8 (2.4) kg; P < 0.01] compared to DXA. MF‐BIA provided significantly better estimates of FM and FFM with narrower limits of agreement than SF‐BIA in obese and insufficiently active subjects. In other BMI and PA groups, both BIA devices showed a similar deviation from DXA.ConclusionsBIA tends to underestimate FM and overestimate FFM relative to DXA. MF‐BIA appears to be a more appropriate method for the assessment of body composition than SF‐BIA in post‐menopausal woman with BMI >30 kg/m2 and in those who are insufficiently active.
Psychopathic Sexuality: The Thin Line Between Fantasy and Reality
Authors: Visser Beth A. , DeBow Victoria , Pozzebon Julie A. , Bogaert Anthony F. , Book Angela 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn two studies, we explored the relations between psychopathic traits and sexual fantasy content. In Study 1, we rated content themes in the fantasy narratives of 195 men and women recruited at a Canadian university. In Study 2, we administered a sexual fantasy questionnaire to a sample of 355 Canadian undergraduate students. In Study 1, we found that psychopathic traits predicted themes of anonymous, uncommitted, and nonromantic sexual activity after controlling for participant sex. In Study 2, we found that psychopathy added to the prediction of self‐reported engagement in unrestricted, dominant, submissive, deviant, and adventurous sexual activity, even after controlling for participant sex and level of fantasizing about that activity. Furthermore, an interaction between psychopathy and level of fantasizing was observed for unrestricted and deviant sexual behavior, such that participants who reported high levels of fantasizing about these sexual themes were more likely to engage in that behavior if they also reported high levels of psychopathic traits. These findings suggest that psychopathy is related not only to interest in particular sexual behaviors, but also to whether individuals will translate these fantasized behaviors into reality.
Low serum level of 1,25(OH)2D is associated with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Antonoglou G. N. , Knuuttila M. , Niemelä O. , Raunio T. , Karttunen R. , Vainio O. , Hedberg P. , Ylöstalo P. , Tervonen T. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectivesVitamin D has been studied primarily for its involvement in calcium and phosphate absorption and bone metabolism. The active form of vitamin D—1,25(OH)2D—has also been investigated for its immune modulatory properties. We explored associations between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D and periodontal health.Subjects and MethodsThis case–control study included 55 subjects with chronic periodontitis (cases) and 30 periodontally healthy subjects (controls). Their serum levels of 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, ultrasensitive C‐reactive protein and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Associations between vitamin D and periodontal health status were studied using logistic regression analysis.ResultsA statistically significant association was found between serum 1,25(OH)2D level and periodontal health status; in that subjects with a low 1,25(OH)2D were more likely to belong to the periodontitis group (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95–1.00). There was practically no association between 25(OH)D level and periodontal health status.ConclusionIn this case–control study low serum 1,25(OH)2D level appeared to be associated with periodontitis, which was in line with the previously reported associations between serum 1,25(OH)2D levels and other inflammatory diseases. Whether this association is causal in nature, remains to be confirmed in future studies.
The Political Cosmology of Prison Poetics: Khāqānī of Shirwān on Muslim–Christian Difference
Authors: Gould Rebecca 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis essay examines the political cosmology fostered by the medieval Persian prison poem, specifically in the oeuvre of Khāqānī of Shirwān (d. 1199), in relation to this genre's cosmopolitan geography. I focus in particular on how Khāqānī's Christian Qasīda (ode) negotiated 12th‐century Islamic attitudes towards non‐Muslim religious minorities, particularly Christians of varying ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. An important document in the history of Muslim–Christian relations, Khāqānī's text was one of many Persian prison poems (habsīyyāt) that elaborated a new conception for the role of poetry in the political economy of medieval Islamic societies. In simultaneously presenting the incarcerated poet as a faithful Muslim and as a metonym for Jesus Christ, Khāqānī's prison poetics reconceived the fault lines of religious and ethnic difference.
Noradrenergic Mechanisms Controlling Urethral Smooth and Striated Muscle Function in Urethral Continence Reflex in Rats
Authors: FURUTA Akira , SUZUKI Yasuyuki , KIMURA Shouji , ASANO Kouji , EGAWA Shin , YOSHIMURA Naoki 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the role of noradrenergic pathways in the urethral continence reflex during abdominal compression in rats.MethodsUnder urethane anesthesia, urethral baseline pressure (UBP) and urethral pressure response (UPR) during momentary abdominal compression using a 100 g weight was measured using a transurethral microtransducer‐tipped catheter placed at the middle urethra in Sprague–Dawley female rats. Following intravenous (i.v.) application of hexamethonium or α‐bungarotoxin to block urethral smooth or striated muscle function, respectively, the effects of terazosin, an α1‐adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.), medetomidine, an α2‐AR agonist (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) or nisoxetine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (1 mg/kg, i.v.) followed by terazosin on UBP and UPR were examined.ResultsAfter hexamethonium pretreatment, terazosin did not alter UBP or UPR, whereas medetomidine significantly decreased UPR by 28% without UBP changes. Nisoxetine significantly increased UPR by 64%, which was eliminated by terazosin, but UBP was not altered by nisoxetine. After α‐bungarotoxin pretreatment, UBP and UPR were significantly decreased by terazosin or medetomidine. Nisoxetine induced significant increases in UBP and UPR by 16 and 15%, respectively, which were antagonized by terazosin.ConclusionThese results suggest that: the baseline activity and reflex contraction of urethral smooth muscle are decreased by α1‐AR inhibition or α2‐AR stimulation; the reflex contraction of urethral striated muscle is decreased by α2‐AR stimulation, but not by α1‐AR inhibition; and nisoxetine increases baseline and reflex activity of smooth muscle in addition to striated muscle reflex activity by α1‐AR stimulation. These findings will be useful to understand nerve‐mediated urethral closure mechanisms.
Comparison of adrenaline auto‐injector devices: Ease of use and ability to recall use
Authors: Robinson M. N. , Dharmage S. C. , Tang M. L. K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundA limited number of adrenaline auto‐injectors are currently available. Epipen and Anapen are available in Australia, New Zealand, UK and parts of Europe and Asia. Few studies have compared the performance of these devices.ObjectiveTo compare the intuitiveness of use of these devices. A secondary aim was to compare the ability to recall the use of each device after a period of 3 months.MethodA random sample of 100 subjects naïve to both the EpiPen and Anapen were recruited from staff and families attending Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Australia. Subjects were randomized to Anapen (n = 53) or EpiPen (n = 47) and asked to demonstrate use of a ‘trainer’ device (i) prior to and (ii) after receiving training in its correct use. A subset (n = 32) participated in a follow‐up study to evaluate (iii) the ability to recall correct use of each device.ResultsMost subjects correctly demonstrated all steps in use of the EpiPen and Anapen both prior to (89% vs. 79%, p = 0.17) and after training on use (100% vs. 100%). However, after 3 months, significantly more participants correctly demonstrated use of EpiPen (87%) compared to Anapen (35%) (p = 0.003) and critical errors that would likely result in failure to administer adrenaline were more common with Anapen (59% vs. 13%, p = 0.01).ConclusionMost study participants correctly demonstrated the use of both devices without prior training. There was greater attrition in correct use of Anapen compared to EpiPen over time. Critical errors in administration were more likely with Anapen than EpiPen.
Functional capacity after pediatric liver transplantation: A pilot study
Authors: Maria da Silva Rosângela , Brunow de Carvalho Werther , Johnston Cíntia , Borba de Castro Mariela , Manta Ferreira Israel , Patti Camilla L. , Anthero de Azevedo Ramiro , Miziara Gonzalez Adriano , Moura Linhares Marcelo , Augusto Salzedas‐Netto Alcides 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe prospective cross‐sectional study investigated the 6MWT performance in pediatric group of liver transplant recipients (6–17 yr, median post‐transplantation time of 22 months) and compared to the normal values obtained in healthy children as well as evaluated the reproducibility of the 6MWT. We analyzed the relationship between walked distance and the 6MWw, distance walked × body weight) with the anthropometric, clinical, and pulmonary functions. In post‐transplanted group, the average walked distance was significantly shorter compared with control (687 ± 80 m vs. 511 ± 72 m, p < 0.001). The calculated ICC coefficient confirmed the reproducibility among tests. The Pearson correlation revealed that only walked distance in the 6MWT was moderately correlated with tidal volume. Conversely, the 6MWw was significantly correlated with age, weight, height, BMI, FVC, PEF rate, and volume expiratory. According to multiple regression analysis, age, VE and FVC factors explained 80% of the variance in the 6MWw. In conclusion, the pediatric liver transplant recipients' performance in the 6MWT is significantly lower than the values for healthy children of the same age. Notably, the 6MWw may provide relevant information, constituting an additional parameter in the determination of functional capacity.
Natural Resource Exports, Fiscal Policy Volatility and Growth
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Halland Håvard 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe combination of poor institutions and erratic macroeconomic policy, as measured by the volatility of fiscal policy, is associated with slower growth. We show that macroeconomic policy is more erratic in countries that are rich in natural resources, especially minerals and fuels, and in those that receive large aid inflows. Poor institutions also play a role. Although Africa is a major receiver of aid and exporter of natural resources, this is not purely an African phenomenon. Output volatility is not associated with slower growth after controlling for institutions and the volatility of fiscal policy.
Multiple intracranial space‐occupying lesions in a renal transplant recipient from an area endemic for tuberculosis (TB): TB vs. toxoplasmosis
Authors: Bagchi S. , Sachdev S.S. , Nalwa A. , Das C.J. , Sinha S. , Suri V. , Mahajan S. , Bhowmik D. , Agarwal S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRenal transplant recipients may present with intracranial space‐occupying lesions (SOLs) due to infections as well as a post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Here, we discuss a renal transplant recipient who presented with neurologic symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed multiple focal SOLs. Tuberculosis (TB), toxoplasmosis, nocardiosis, fungal infections, and PTLD were considered in the differential diagnosis. MRI spectroscopy was suggestive of an infectious cause, such as toxoplasmosis or TB. Serologic tests using Toxoplasma were negative. A brain biopsy followed by immunohistochemical staining using Toxoplasma antibody demonstrated multiple intravascular cysts of toxoplasma. This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma in an immunocompromised patient with multiple focal brain lesions, especially in areas where TB is endemic.
Poor appointment‐keeping behaviour among repeat blood donors and its relationship to the intent to donate again
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Hermundstad B. , Kjustad Frøyland E.‐M. , Llohn A. H. , Knutsen T. R. 
Published: July 2014

SUMMARYBackground and objectivesAnecdotal evidence suggests that missed donation appointments among repeat whole‐blood donors are associated with decreased likelihood of future blood donation. This study sought to examine the relationship between missed donation appointments and intention to donate again among repeat whole‐blood donors and to examine whether demographic variables are related to appointment‐keeping behaviour.MethodsDuring the period February–June 2013, telephone interviews were conducted with repeat donors who either did not show up for or cancelled their donation appointments on the day of the appointment. We asked them whether or not they wanted to schedule appointments for subsequent donations.ResultsRates of missed donation appointments varied by age, but not gender. Although a statistically significant difference between male and female donors was not found with regard to willingness to donate again, female donors were more likely than male donors to call and cancel their appointment. Finally, compared with repeat donors who called and cancelled their appointment, no‐show donors were 2·5 times less likely to schedule appointments for subsequent donations (P < 0·001).ConclusionThe results demonstrate that poor appointment‐keeping behaviour, and in particular no‐show behaviour, is significantly associated with decreased likelihood of future blood donation among repeat whole‐blood donors.