bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between clinical manifestations of complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcer and visceral sensory dysfunction
Authors: Gururatsakul Montri , Holloway Richard H , Talley Nicholas J , Holtmann Gerald J 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) usually manifests as either dyspepsia or less commonly with complications such as bleeding. Patients with bleeding ulcers are often asymptomatic until the bleeding occurs. A lack of dyspeptic symptoms might be explained by impaired visceral sensory function. The aim of this study was to assess symptom profiles and compare visceral sensory thresholds in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer (BPU) and uncomplicated PUD.Methods:  A total of 30 patients with BPU, 25 with uncomplicated PUD and 32 healthy controls (HC) without dyspeptic symptoms were recruited. In ulcer patients after at least 8 weeks of ulcer treatment and an 8‐hr fast, visceral sensitivity was tested using a standardized nutrient challenge with an enteral feeding solution. Five key symptoms (fullness, abdominal pain, retrosternal/abdominal burning, nausea, and regurgitation) were assessed using visual analog scales (0–100).Results:  Twenty‐five of the 30 (83%, 95% confidence interval 65–94%) patients with BPU had no dyspeptic symptoms compared with none of the 25 uncomplicated PUD patients. Patients with BPU and HC had significantly lower symptom responses (BPU 127.6 ± 24.6, HC 89.8 ± 13.9) to the nutrient challenge than uncomplicated PUD patients (338.4 ± 56.2, P < 0.0001). Patients with dyspeptic symptoms (30/55) had significantly higher symptom responses (327.3 ± 47.8) than the 25/55 patients without symptoms (98.9 ± 23.4, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  Most patients with BPU present without dyspeptic symptoms. Even after healing of the ulcer, patients with uncomplicated PUD have a significantly augmented symptom response to a standardized nutrient challenge compared to patients with complicated ulcers and HC. Differences in the processing of upper gastrointestinal visceral afferents may play a major role in the clinical presentation (complicated vs uncomplicated) of PUD.
On‐treatment monitoring of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: An Asian–Pacific perspective
Authors: Chien Rong‐Nan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality from sequelae of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past decades, better understanding of the natural history and immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection and of the development of many powerful antiviral agents has allowed us to improve therapeutic efficacy. Among these agents, nucleos(t)ide analogs are important and potent viral suppressors. However, when administered alone, they are not able to permanently eradicate HBV, and long‐term maintenance therapy is required for therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, prolonged treatment is frequently associated with the emergence of drug‐resistant HBV mutants. Before an ‘ideal’ drug(s), or drug combination, with optimal antiviral efficacy and negligible rates of drug resistance becomes available, the on‐treatment monitoring approach using serum HBV DNA level as a predictor for therapeutic efficacy and drug resistance is useful. However, most countries in the Asia–Pacific region have low income economies, insufficient medical care systems, and low awareness of the disease among the general population and government officers. The easy approach of the road‐map concept using an affordable drug to treat chronic HBV infection is more important in this region. There is already evidence that the long‐term outcomes of chronic HBV infection can be improved under well‐managed antiviral therapy. Profound and long‐lasting suppression of HBV replication, either maintained on‐therapy or sustained after stopping therapy, has been identified as the key determinant for achieving the goals of therapy, for reducing liver damage, and for preventing development of cirrhosis and/ or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Endoscopic resection of ampullary adenoma after a new insulated plastic pancreatic stent placement: A pilot study
Authors: Hwang Jae Chul , Kim Jin Hong , Lim Sun Gyo , Yoo Byung Moo , Cho Sung Won 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although pancreatic stent insertion is recommended for the prevention of post‐procedure pancreatitis during endoscopic papillectomy, insertion of the stent after the procedure can be technically difficult. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility and safety of inserting a newly developed insulated pancreatic stent before endoscopic papillectomy.Methods:  We conducted a prospective pilot study involving 11 consecutive patients with adenomas of the major duodenal papilla. After a 5F polytetrafluoroethylene‐insulated pancreatic stent was inserted through the tumor, the stent and tumor were simultaneously grasped with a snare. After resection of the tumor with the stent in place, the tumor was incised perpendicularly along the edge of the stent for retrieval of the specimen.Results:  In all patients, the insulated pancreatic stents were successfully inserted before endoscopic papillectomy and were resistant to electrical current; retrieval of the specimen was technically feasible and successful without stent migration. There were no stent‐related complications, but five papillectomy‐related complications (including mild bleeding [n = 4] and late papillary stenosis [n = 1]) occurred without any episodes of acute pancreatitis or perforation.Conclusions:  Pre‐resection stenting with a polytetrafluoroethylene‐insulated stent in patients with adenomas of the major duodenal papilla is a feasible and useful technique to prevent pancreatitis.
Diagnosis of depth of invasion for early colorectal cancer using magnifying colonoscopy
Authors: Ikehara Hisatomo , Saito Yutaka , Matsuda Takahisa , Uraoka Toshio , Murakami Yoshitaka 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Early colorectal cancer (CRC) with submucosal deep (s.m.‐d.) invasion should not be treated with endoscopic mucosal resection due to the higher incidence of lymph‐node metastasis. It is, therefore, clinically important to accurately diagnose s.m.‐d. lesions before treatment.Methods:  We analyzed the endoscopic features, including pit patterns, of early CRC with s.m.‐d. invasion observed using magnifying colonoscopy. We retrospectively investigated 379 cases of early CRC. Lesions were divided into three macroscopic subtypes (pedunculated type, sessile type and superficial type) based on endoscopic findings. Eight endoscopic factors were evaluated retrospectively for association with s.m. invasion and then compared to histopathological findings.Results:  The superficial type had a significantly higher frequency of s.m.‐d. invasion (52.4% [77/147] vs 24.6% [14/57] and 39.4% [69/175], P‐value < 0.05, respectively, for pedunculated and sessile types). Based on multivariate analysis, an independent risk factor for s.m.‐d. invasion was the existence of an invasive pit pattern in sessile and superficial types (odds ratios of 52.74 and 209.67, respectively). Fullness was also an independent risk factor for s.m.‐d. invasion in the superficial type (odds ratio = 9.25). There were no independent risk factors for s.m.‐d. invasion in the pedunculated type.Conclusion:  High magnification pit pattern diagnosis proved to be useful for predicting s.m.‐d. invasion in sessile and superficial types although it was not as helpful with the pedunculated type.
Spherical implantable collamer lenses for myopia and hyperopia: 126 eyes with 1‐year follow up
Authors: Rayner Sandra A , Bhikoo Riyaz , Gray Trevor 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  To report on 1‐year follow up of a series of 126 eyes implanted with a spherical implantable collamer lens (ICL).Methods:  Retrospective case note review of 126 eyes (68 patients) undergoing ICL placement by a single surgeon (TG) to correct preoperative mean spherical equivalents between +8.88 and −20.50 D. Main outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refraction, best spectacle‐corrected VA, unaided binocular vision, adverse events, operative/postoperative complications and patient symptoms.Results:  Complete data were available at 1 year on 121 of the 126 eyes (65 out of 68 patients). At 12 months 86% (104/121) had postoperative UCVA better than or equal to preoperative best spectacle‐corrected VA, and 98% (118/121) had UCVA within one line of preoperative best spectacle‐corrected VA. Ninety‐six per cent (116/121) had postoperative UCVA of 6/9 or better, and 100% had postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Ninety‐eight per cent (64/65) patients had unaided binocular vision at 1 year of 6/7.5 or better. Average myopia treated was −8.83 D (116 patients), and average hyperopia +7.14 D (10 patients). Two ICLs were replaced because of high vaulting; one eye had increased intraocular pressure that resolved with smaller ICL placement. Four patients had visually insignificant pigment deposits on the ICL at 3/12, but no pigmentary glaucoma. Five patients noticed haloes around lights at night, none preventing driving.Conclusions:  One‐year results from this study, the largest reported clinical investigation of the use of ICLs in New Zealand, support the safety, efficacy and predictability of ICL to treat both hyperopic and myopic spherical refractive errors.
Visualization of cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode
Authors: Yamamoto Motoshi , Mizukami Shiho , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Miyoshi Norimi , Yoshimura Nagahisa 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 eyes with cystoid macular oedema because of various aetiologies. All eyes were examined with a new, commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode with an infrared laser.Results:  In all eyes, scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode showed numerous oval or polygonal cystoid spaces. Most eyes showed a large cystoid space beneath the fovea, with surrounding small cystoid spaces. The area of the foveal cystoid space showed a correlation with its height, as measured with optical coherence tomography (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001). Visual acuity, however, did not show any correlation with either the area of the foveal cystoid space or area of all of the cystoid spaces in the macular area.Conclusion:  Scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode can show each cystoid space located in any layer of the retina and allows us to detect the extent of cystoid macular oedema.
Syphilitic uveitis: a review of clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of syphilitic uveitis in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive and negative patients
Authors: Amaratunge Bhagya Chathri , Camuglia Jayne E , Hall Anthony J 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe incidence of syphilis and syphilitic uveitis in our community is increasing. The prevalence of associated neurosyphilis is unknown, and it remains unclear whether syphilitic uveitis should be treated as secondary syphilis with intramuscular penicillin or neurosyphilis with intravenous penicillin. The (English language) literature was reviewed for all unique cases of syphilitic uveitis reported from 1984 to June 2008. For each case the following data were recorded: the clinical features of the syphilis, the uveitis and any associated neurosyphilis, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, lumbar puncture findings, treatment and follow up. We identified 143 patients in 41 original reports of syphilitic uveitis (93 HIV‐positive and 50 HIV‐negative). Posterior uveitis was reported in 79 patients (55.2%); panuveitis was reported in 36 patients (25.2%); anterior/intermediate uveitis was reported in only 28 patients (19.6%). Lumbar puncture findings were abnormal in 82 patients (57%), and the majority of these patients (76%, 62 out of 82) were HIV‐positive. One hundred and ten (77%) patients were treated with intravenous therapy, usually penicillin. Most recovered from the syphilis, however, a proportion did not recover full vision. There were 13 (9%) treatment failures, which tended to occur in patients who were HIV‐positive (n = 11), had abnormal lumbar puncture findings (n = 8) and/or were treated (n = 11) intravenously. There is a high incidence of abnormal lumbar puncture findings in patients with syphilitic uveitis and a strong association with HIV infection. Most received appropriate therapy with a low relapse rate, which was not related to the type of therapy.
Mapping the surface astrocytes of the optic disc: a fluid‐conducting role of the astrocytic covering of the central vessels
Authors: Carreras Francisco J , Porcel David , Muñoz‐Avila Jose I 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  The vitreous interface of the optic nerve has been studied to delimit the covering of Elschnig's astrocytes and interstitial pathways of flow through the prelaminar region.Methods:  Perfusion of the prelaminar tissue under controlled pressure with a fluorescent marker injected into the vitreous cavity in pig eyes. The prelaminar region of the optic nerve and adjacent retina was fixed and flatmounted or frozen and cryosectioned and examined with the confocal laser microscope. Samples were also prepared for conventional transmission electron microscopy.Results:  The surface of the vitreous surface of the optic nerve is covered by a cobblestone‐like pavement made of astrocytic projections. Intensely stained passages of different thickness indicate the presence of wide interconnected intercellular spaces in the covering of Elschnig's astrocytes. Those passages are absent in the intervascular areas occupied by axons and axon‐linked astrocytes.Conclusions:  Delineation of the astrocytic pavement and the preferred flow routes formed by wide extracellular spaces are conspicuous features of the prelaminar region when examined with the confocal laser microscope and the help of sticky fluorescent tracer. This suggests that excess extracellular fluid can be interchanged with the vitreous by a network of interconnected extracellular spaces or preferred flow routes. Some pathogenic mechanisms can be related to fluid interchange in the optic nerve head.
Effects of riboflavin/UVA corneal cross‐linking on keratocytes and collagen fibres in human cornea
Authors: Mencucci Rita , Marini Mirca , Paladini Iacopo , Sarchielli Erica , Sgambati Eleonora , Menchini Ugo , Vannelli Gabriella B 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate the effects of corneal cross‐linking on keratocytes and collagen fibres in human corneas.Methods:  Fifteen corneal buttons were examined. Ten were from patients with keratoconus submitted to penetrating keratoplasty and five of them were treated with cross‐linking 6 months before penetrating keratoplasty. Five normal corneal buttons from healthy donors were used as controls. All samples were prepared for TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis for the detection of keratocyte apoptosis and immunohistochemical analysis for the morphological evaluation of keratocytes and collagen fibre diameter.Results:  Normal corneas exhibited no TUNEL‐positive keratocytes and keratoconic and cross‐linked corneas showed moderate apoptotic cells mainly in the anterior part of the stroma. This apoptotic trend was confirmed by the cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase assessed using Western blot. The Ki‐67 staining showed a significant increase in the keratocyte proliferation in cross‐linked corneas compared with normal and keratoconus. In cross‐linked corneas CD34‐positive keratocytes were regularly distributed throughout the whole corneal stroma as in the control, and keratoconus was associated with patchy loss of immunoreactivity. The immunohistochemical analysis of collagen type I showed a significant increase in fibre diameter of cross‐linked corneas compared with control and keratoconus.Conclusion:  Corneal cross‐linking leads to keratocyte damage; after 6 months a repopulation by proliferating cells, a distribution of CD34‐positive keratocytes as in control and an increase in collagen fibre diameter were observed. These modifications are the morphological correlate of the process leading to an increase in biomechanical stability.
Size effects in the transition region and the beginning of the upper shelf for ferritic steels
Authors: IPIÑA J. E. PEREZ , BEREJNOI C. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe determination of a characteristic fracture toughness value for ferritic steels in the ductile‐to‐brittle transition regime becomes difficult due to the scatter observed in the results. As the temperature increases, ductile mechanisms become more active and sometimes no brittle fracture occurs. Close to the upper shelf, and contrary to what happens when only cleavage occurs, the scatter diminishes as the temperature increases, and it is also size‐dependent: more scatter is found for larger sizes than for smaller specimens. An interpretation of the phenomena that takes place from the transition region up to the beginning of the upper shelf is presented in this work. This interpretation explains the difference in scatter and toughness among different sample sizes, and it also validates that the beginning of the upper shelf is dependent on the size of the sample or structure. Results from the Euro Dataset Round Robin were used to validate this interpretation.
Regression analysis of spatial data
Authors: Beale Colin M. , Lennon Jack J. , Yearsley Jon M. , Brewer Mark J. , Elston David A. 
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 246–264AbstractMany of the most interesting questions ecologists ask lead to analyses of spatial data. Yet, perhaps confused by the large number of statistical models and fitting methods available, many ecologists seem to believe this is best left to specialists. Here, we describe the issues that need consideration when analysing spatial data and illustrate these using simulation studies. Our comparative analysis involves using methods including generalized least squares, spatial filters, wavelet revised models, conditional autoregressive models and generalized additive mixed models to estimate regression coefficients from synthetic but realistic data sets, including some which violate standard regression assumptions. We assess the performance of each method using two measures and using statistical error rates for model selection. Methods that performed well included generalized least squares family of models and a Bayesian implementation of the conditional auto‐regressive model. Ordinary least squares also performed adequately in the absence of model selection, but had poorly controlled Type I error rates and so did not show the improvements in performance under model selection when using the above methods. Removing large‐scale spatial trends in the response led to poor performance. These are empirical results; hence extrapolation of these findings to other situations should be performed cautiously. Nevertheless, our simulation‐based approach provides much stronger evidence for comparative analysis than assessments based on single or small numbers of data sets, and should be considered a necessary foundation for statements of this type in future.
Cultivation of a Synergistetes strain representing a previously uncultivated lineage
Authors: Vartoukian S. R. , Palmer R. M. , Wade W. G. 
Published: January 2010

SummarySubgingival plaque samples obtained from human subjects with periodontitis, shown to include previously uncultivable members of the phylum Synergistetes, were used to inoculate Cooked Meat Medium (CMM). The presence of Cluster A (uncultivable) Synergistetes was monitored by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR). Cluster A Synergistetes were found to grow in CMM in co‐culture with other plaque bacteria and growth was stimulated by the addition of mucin and serum. Plaque samples were also used to inoculate Blood Agar (BA) plates and growth of Cluster A Synergistetes was revealed after anaerobic incubation, by colony hybridization with specific probes. Surface growth on the plates in regions identified by colony hybridization was harvested and used to inoculate fresh plates, thus enriching for Cluster A Synergistetes. Cross‐streaks of other plaque bacteria were also used to stimulate Synergistetes growth. In the early passages, no discrete Synergistetes colonies were seen, but after eight passages and the use of cross‐streaks of other bacteria present in the enriched community, colonies arose, which consisted solely of Cluster A Synergistetes cells, as determined by 16S rRNA gene PCR and cloning. This is the first report of the successful culture of a member of the uncultivable branch of this phylum.
The major outer membrane protein OmpU of Vibrio splendidus contributes to host antimicrobial peptide resistance and is required for virulence in the oyster Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Duperthuy Marylise , Binesse Johan , Le Roux Frédérique , Romestand Bernard , Caro Audrey , Got Patrice , Givaudan Alain , Mazel Didier , Bachère Evelyne , Destoumieux‐Garzón Delphine 
Published: January 2010

Summary Vibrio splendidus, strain LGP32, is an oyster pathogen associated with the summer mortalities affecting the production of Crassostrea gigas oysters worldwide. Vibrio splendidus LGP32 was shown to resist to up to 10 µM Cg‐Def defensin and Cg‐BPI bactericidal permeability increasing protein, two antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) involved in C. gigas immunity. The resistance to both oyster Cg‐Def and Cg‐BPI and standard AMPs (polymyxin B, protegrin, human BPI) was dependent on the ompU gene. Indeed, upon ompU inactivation, minimal bactericidal concentrations decreased by up to fourfold. AMP resistance was restored upon ectopic expression of ompU. The susceptibility of bacterial membranes to AMP‐induced damages was independent of the ompU‐mediated AMP resistance. Besides its role in AMP resistance, ompU proved to be essential for the adherence of V. splendidus LGP32 to fibronectin. Interestingly, in vivo, ompU was identified as a major determinant of V. splendidus pathogenicity in oyster experimental infections. Indeed, the V. splendidus‐induced oyster mortalities dropped from 56% to 11% upon ompU mutation (Kaplan–Meier survival curves, P < 0.01). Moreover, in co‐infection assays, the ompU mutant was out competed by the wild‐type strain with competitive indexes in the range of 0.1–0.2. From this study, ompU is required for virulence of V. splendidus. Contributing to AMP resistance, conferring adhesive properties to V. splendidus, and being essential for in vivo fitness, the OmpU porin appears as an essential effector of the C. gigas/V. splendidus interaction.