bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral pantoprazole in the form of granules or tablets are pharmacodynamically equivalent in suppressing acid output in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and a history of erosive oesophagitis
Authors: HOGAN D. , PRATHA V. , RIFF D. , DUCKER S. , SCHWARTZ H. , SOFFER E. , WANG W. , RATH N. , COMER G. M. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryAim To demonstrate the pharmacodynamic comparability between oral 40 mg pantoprazole delayed‐release granules and tablets.Methods This was a multicentre, randomized, open‐label, 2‐period, 2‐sequence, 9‐week crossover study in patients aged 18–65 years with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and documented erosive oesophagitis. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the inhibition of pentagastrin‐stimulated maximum acid output (MAO) at steady state after once daily dosing for 1 week and 23 h after the last dose of pantoprazole granules and tablets. Basal acid output was measured prior to MAO. Standard safety evaluations were performed. The one‐sided t‐test was used to test the null hypothesis that granules – 1.2 × tablet ≥ 0 against the alternative hypothesis that this difference was <0 for both MAO and basal acid output values.Results Sixty patients completed the study. The mean MAO values were 7.11 ± 4.98 and 7.29 ± 4.77 mmol/h, while the mean basal acid output values were 0.74 ± 0.91 and 0.58 ± 0.63 mmol/h for the granules and tablets, respectively. The two formulations were shown statistically to be pharmacodynamically equivalent in suppressing MAO (P = 0.006), safe and well tolerated.Conclusion Patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease who are unable to swallow the tablet may safely be prescribed the pantoprazole sodium granules.
An analysis of levels of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., broodstock in Scotland between 1990–2002
Authors: Munro E S , Millar C P , Hastings T S 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThroughout this study period the prevalence of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in Scottish farmed Atlantic salmon was high in the marine environment but relatively low in fresh water. In order to minimize the risk of vertical transmission of infection from parent to progeny, all IPNV infected broodstock populations had to undergo testing of all fish for the virus at the time of stripping and eggs from positive parents were destroyed. Between 1990 and 2002 over 68 000 Atlantic salmon broodfish were individually screened for IPNV by cell culture isolation and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the influence of geographical region, age, sex and year on IPNV prevalence in Atlantic salmon broodstock. This analysis determined that the age and sex of the broodfish and the geographical region of the broodstock stripping site did not have a statistically significant influence on IPNV prevalence within the broodstock parental population. However, there was a statistically significant temporal increase in IPNV prevalence from 1990 to 2002.
Recommendations for assessing Patient‐Reported Outcomes and Health‐Related quality of life in clinical trials on allergy: a GA2LEN taskforce position paper
Authors: Baiardini I. , Bousquet P. J. , Brzoza Z. , Canonica G. W. , Compalati E. , Fiocchi A. , Fokkens W. , Van Wijk R. G. , La Grutta S. , Lombardi C. , Maurer M. , Pinto A. M. , Ridolo E. , Senna G. E. , Terreehorst I. , Bom A. Todo , Bousquet J. , Zuberbier T. , Braido F. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Baiardini I, Bousquet PJ, Brzoza Z, Canonica GW, Compalati E, Fiocchi A, Fokkens W, van Wijk RG, La Grutta S, Lombardi C, Maurer M, Pinto AM, Ridolo E, Senna GE, Terreehorst I, Todo Bom A, Bousquet J, Zuberbier T, Braido F. Recommendations for assessing Patient‐Reported Outcomes and Health‐Related quality of life in clinical trials on allergy: a GA2LEN taskforce position paper. Allergy 2010; 65: 290–295.AbstractThe aim of this Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) consensus report is to provide recommendations for patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) evaluation in clinical trials for allergic diseases, which constitute a global health problem in terms of physical, psychological economic and social impact. During the last 40 years, PROs have gained large consideration and use in the scientific community, to gain a better understanding of patients’ subjective assessment with respect to elements concerning their health condition. They include all health‐related reports coming from the patient, without involvement or interpretation by physician or others. PROs assessment should be performed by validated tools (disease‐specific tools when available or generic ones) selected taking into account the aim of the study, the expected intervention effects and the determinant and confounding factors or patient‐related factors which could influence PROs. Moreover, each tool should be used exclusively in the patient population following the authors’ indications without modification and performing a cross‐cultural validation if the tool must be used in a language that differs from the original. The result analysis also suggests that the relevance of PROs results in any interventional study should include a pre–post assessment providing information concerning statistical differences within or among groups, rates of response for the PROs and a minimal important difference for the population. The report underlines the importance of further investigation on some topics, such as the quality assessment of existing PROs tools, the definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria and a more extensive evaluation of the correlation between PROs, besides health‐related quality of life, and clinical data.
Spatial distribution of colonizing Listronotus maculicollis populations: implications for targeted management and host preference
Authors: McGraw B. A. , Koppenhöfer A. M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe characterized the spatio‐temporal distribution of emerging overwintered adult Listronotus maculicollis populations colonizing golf course fairways with Spatial Analyses by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) with the goal to better target management tactics and to test assumptions for weevil preference for annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Adults randomly colonized and moved throughout fairways. However, cumulative captures were significantly aggregated along fairway edges closest to overwintering sites demonstrating progressive movement through the edges. Spatial association analyses suggest that the spatial patterns of cumulative captures of adults rather than weekly patterns were strongly associated with larvae, indicating that the adults enter fairways from the edges and deposit eggs over the course of several weeks. We did not observe an effect of host species on the distribution of either adult or larval L. maculicollis which leads us to question traditional assumptions of host preference for short mown P. annua. Instead, we propose that the aggregated distribution of larvae is generated by a low encounter rate of short mown hosts, rather than preference for species or cultivar. This study indicates that caution need to be applied when using preference‐performance criteria in host preference studies. Future behavioural studies need to address the contributions of encounter rate and host species on L. maculicollis host selection and oviposition.
Does routine psychological screening of newly diagnosed rural cancer patients lead to better patient outcomes? Results of a pilot study
Authors: Thewes Belinda , Butow Phyllis , Stuart‐Harris Robin ,   the Greater Southern Area Health Service Screening Collaborative Group
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Few studies have reported on the impact of screening on patient outcomes or clinical practice and research describing the implementation of psychosocial screening in rural services is scarce. Aims:  This study investigated the feasibility and utility of a psychological screening program in Australian rural oncology clinics. Subjects & methods:  A total of 83 newly diagnosed adult cancer patients, seen at one of three rural outpatient oncology clinics participated in this study. Results:  Nineteen of forty‐three (44%) participants in the screening phase scored above cut‐off score on the Distress Thermometer (DT), a validated screening tool for distress in cancer patients. The DT had acceptable sensitivity (86%) and specificity (77%) as a screening tool using another validated self‐report measure of psychological symptoms, the Psychological Symptoms Subscale of the Somatic and Psychological Health Report Short form, as a‘gold standard’. Screening with the DT did not significantly increase the rate of referrals to psychosocial staff of distressed individuals. However, screening with the DT reduced time to referral. The screened group reported significantly greater unmet needs in univariate (P = 0.01) and multivariate analyses (P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Psychological screening did not increase rates of referral to psychosocial support staff for patients with psychological morbidity. However, given the methodological limitations of this pilot study, the results should be interpreted with caution. The DT was found to have acceptable sensitivity and specificity to detect likely cases of psychological morbidity. Barriers to implementation of psychological screening in rural clinics and recommendations for future psychological screening programs at outpatient oncology clinics are discussed.
A seven‐year retrospective analysis of students entering medicine via a Rural Student Recruitment program in Western Australia
Authors: Emery Ashleigh , Hurley Sarah , Williams Jasmine , Pougnault Sue , Mercer Annette , Tennant Marc 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:  This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rural Student Recruitment (RSR) program. This program was an initiative to address the low number of rural students enrolled in medicine at the University of Western Australia. RSR identifies students throughout rural and remote areas of Australia interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The program provides support to these students through the various stages of the selection process and subsequently through the course. Setting:  Medical School, the University of Western Australia. Participants:  Rural students enrolled in medicine at the University of Western Australia. Results:  Of the 1591 participants in the RSR program, 11.6% have been successful in being offered a place. Participation was consistently higher for women, although men were proportionately more successful at gaining entry (14.5% versus 10.4%). It was found that the distribution of successful students in the RSR program generally reflects population density across rural Western Australia, with the majority of students coming from the South West, and the minority from the Pilbara and Kimberley. However, over the last three years (2006–2008) an increase in access from very remote regions was noted. This has been associated with a modification to the entry process that now includes a remoteness weighting for the secondary school attended. Conclusions:  The conclusion from this analysis was that the RSR program in concert with refinements in entry criteria has been effective in increasing the number of medical students from a rural background.
Promoting positive coping skills for rural youth: Benefits for at‐risk young people
Authors: Eacott Chelsea , Frydenberg Erica 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:  To explore the effects of a coping skills program long term and to assess the utility of providing booster intervention. Young people at high risk for depression were of particular interest. Design:  Mixed method. Setting:  Rural Victoria (approximately 200 km from Melbourne). Participants:  A total of 159 year 10 students (76 male and 83 female) from a Catholic Secondary school. Main outcome measures:  Adolescent Coping Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results:  Following initial coping skills training (with the Best of Coping program) students at risk for depression had significantly reduced their reliance on non‐productive coping (P < 0.05). This decrease was not maintained at 12‐month follow up but was improved through exposure to a booster program. Results suggest the high‐risk group are likely to benefit from further intervention. At the 12‐month follow up all students were involved in booster coping skills training (with the Coping for Success program) that significantly increased their likelihood of referring to others to assist in solving problems (P < 0.05). These findings were supported by qualitative interview data.Conclusions:  Positive program effects for young people at risk of depression and beneficial outcomes of booster intervention for the general student population were achieved in a rural setting.
Factors associated with nutritional status in liver transplant patients who survived the first year after transplantation
Authors: De Carvalho Luciana , Parise Edison Roberto , Samuel Didier 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Most studies published focus on the evaluation of the impact of nutritional status on the morbidity and mortality during the immediate postoperative period or on the short‐term evolution of liver transplant patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate long‐term trends in nutritional status.Methods:  Seventy patients consecutively submitted to liver transplantation were studied. Nutritional assessment was performed the day before transplantation and the 45, 90, 180 and 365 days after transplantation, consisting of determination of dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical analysis.Results:  Sixty‐nine percent of the patients presented with malnutrition on the day before liver transplantation, decreasing to 44% at end of the first year. The prevalence of protein–calorie malnutrition (PCM) was 63% at 90 days post‐transplant. A significant difference of PCM was observed between patients with cirrhosis and non‐cirrhotic disease (53.6% × 100%) at 90 days post‐transplant. The pre‐transplant nutritional diagnosis and 90‐day calorie intake were identified as variables independently associated with nutritional status at 90 days post‐transplant. The variables independently associated with nutritional status in the 1‐year assessment were pre‐transplant PCM and 365‐day calorie requirements.Conclusion:  No influence on nutritional status was observed for peri‐ or postoperative factors after 3 or 12 months of follow up. As expected, dietary factors, especially adequate calorie intake, were always associated with nutritional status during all periods analyzed.
Naturally occurring K vitamins inhibit pancreatic cancer cell survival through a caspase‐dependent pathway
Authors: Showalter Shayna L , Wang Ziqiu , Costantino Christina L , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K , Yeo Charles J , Brody Jonathan R , Carr Brian I 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Available medical therapies against pancreatic cancer are largely ineffective and have many side‐effects. Physiologically, vitamins K1 and K2 (VK) act as co‐factors for γ‐carboxylation of prothrombin and other coagulation factors. In previous studies, VK analogs have been found to have potent negative effects on the survival of various cancer cells. We hypothesized that the well‐tolerated and naturally occurring VK1 and VK2 may be used to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell survival.Methods:  Four pancreas cancer cell lines were tested. Two of these (MiaPaCa2 and PL5) were found to be sensitive to VK1 and VK2 (IC50 values ≤150 µM). To address the mechanisms of this effect on cell survival, we performed cell cycle and apoptosis studies using VK2 (the more potent compound).Results:  We found that VK induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis in over 60% of cells in the sensitive lines at the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) range. Further, this induction in apoptosis was antagonized by a caspase inhibitor. Accompanying apoptosis, a dose‐ and time‐dependent induction of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation occurred when sensitive lines were treated with either VK1 or VK2 at inhibitory doses. Simultaneous co‐treatment of cells with a MEK1 inhibitor and VK prevented both the induction of ERK phosphorylation and the apoptosis, showing that the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is central for VK‐mediated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Conclusion:  These data show that naturally‐occurring, non‐toxic K vitamins can inhibit the survival of some pancreatic cancer cell lines. These novel, safe and clinically‐utilized agents initiate a caspase‐dependent apoptosis via the MAP kinase pathway and could potentially benefit patients with pancreatic cancer either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy for treatment, or for prevention of recurrence of pancreas cancer post resection.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress involved in the course of lipogenesis in fatty acids‐induced hepatic steatosis
Authors: Liu Jiang , Jin Xi , Yu Chao‐Hui , Chen Shao‐Hua , Li Wei‐Ping , Li You‐Ming 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The aim of the present study is to elucidate whether endoplasmic reticulum stress involved in the course of lipogenesis in fatty acids induced hepatic steatosis and the potential effect of metformin on endoplasmic reticulum stress.Methods:  HepG2 cells were exposed to different types of culture media. After incubation for 24 h, cells were harvested to evaluate cell survival rate and lipid level among different groups. Moreover, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot for glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (GRP78), sterol response element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were applied.Results:  The levels of triglyceride (TG), mRNA of FAS, mRNA and protein of GRP78 and SREBP1c significantly increased in the free fatty acids (FFA)‐induced hepatic steatosis group. Then, HepG2 cells with hepatic steatosis induced by FFA were treated by metformin, levels of TG, GRP78 mRNA, SREBP1c mRNA and FAS mRNA as well as GRP78 and SREBP1 protein levels were partially decreased but without significant differences.Conclusion:  Endoplasmic reticulum stress might be involved in lipogenesis in fatty acids‐induced hepatic steatosis. Therefore, endoplasmic reticulum stress might serve as a novel target in the pathogenesis and therapy of non‐ alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Progesterone and allopregnanolone enhance the miniature synaptic release of glycine in the rat hypoglossal nucleus
Authors: Chesnoy‐Marchais Dominique 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIt is well known that progesterone is synthesised and metabolised within the nervous system, and that one of its metabolites, allopregnanolone, potentiates the activity of GABA receptor anionic channels and modulates GABAergic neurotransmission. Progesterone is now under clinical trial for its neuroprotective properties, but its possible effects on neurotransmission have not yet been fully explored. The present study investigated acute effects of progesterone on the other major type of synaptic inhibition, glycinergic neurotransmission. Spontaneous glycinergic miniature currents were recorded in hypoglossal motoneurons, using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique in rat brainstem slices. A 20‐min superfusion with progesterone (1 μm) triggered an increase in the frequency of glycinergic miniatures, whereas no effect of progesterone was observed after block with finasteride (5 μm) of 5α ‐reductase, the first enzymatic step leading from progesterone to allopregnanolone. The effect of progesterone could be mimicked by superfusion with allopregnanolone (0.3 μm), whereas no effect was induced by epiallopregnanolone. Thus, progesterone can increase the synaptic miniature release of glycine and this effect appears to be indirect, resulting from its metabolism into 5α‐reduced derivatives, in particular into allopregnanolone. A low concentration of an exogenous GABAAagonist can also increase the frequency of inhibitory miniature currents in hypoglossal motoneurons. Thus, the effects of progesterone and allopregnanolone on glycine release can be at least partly explained by the potentiation of the activity of depolarizing presynaptic GABA receptor channels. The increase in the tonic synaptic release of a major inhibitory neurotransmitter should reduce the excitability of the neurons and contribute to their protection against excitotoxicity.
Predictive factors for mortality and need for nephrectomy in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis
Authors: Kapoor Rakesh , Muruganandham Kaliyaperumal , Gulia Anil Kumar , Singla Manish , Agrawal Saurabh , Mandhani Anil , Ansari M.S. , Srivastava Aneesh 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo analyse the factors predicting the mortality and need for nephrectomy in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN).PATIENTS AND METHODSClinical features, laboratory variables, imaging studies, management strategy and the final outcomes were analysed in 39 consecutive patients with EPN. The mean (sd) age was 57 (7.2) years and the male to female ratio was 2:11. The baseline risk factors (clinical, laboratory and radiological) were compared among three groups; group 1, survived with renal salvage (26); group 2, survived after nephrectomy (eight); and group 3, died (five).RESULTSThe overall survival rate was 87% (34/39) and the kidney was salvaged in 67% (26) patients at a median follow‐up of 18 months. Altered mental status, thrombocytopenia, renal failure and severe hyponatremia at presentation were significantly associated with mortality rate. There was no significant difference in final outcome based on radiological classification. Extensive renal parenchymal destruction of >50% (based on computed tomography) significantly predicted the need for nephrectomy (P < 0.001) and death (P = 0.02). Early (<1 week) nephrectomy resulted in a higher mortality rate (three of seven patients) than initial conservative management. There were no deaths in selected patients who received antibiotics alone or had delayed nephrectomy (four patients each). Of 24 patients who had minimally invasive treatment alone, two (8%) died. Minimally invasive treatment resulted in high renal salvage (22/24, 92%).CONCLUSIONAltered mental status, thrombocytopenia, renal failure and severe hyponatremia at presentation are associated with higher mortality rates, whereas extensive renal parenchymal destruction is associated with a need for nephrectomy. Early nephrectomy is associated with higher mortality rates than is initial conservative management.