bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esophageal motor abnormalities in eosinophilic esophagitis identified by high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Martín Martín Leticia , Santander Cecilio , Lopez Martín Mari Carmen , Espinoza‐Ríos Jorge , Chavarría‐Herbozo Carlos , Gisbert Javier P , Moreno‐Otero Ricardo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Esophageal motility abnormalities, as measured by conventional manometry (CM), are non‐specific in the majority of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Moreover, the study of CM is limited by poor interobserver agreement. The aims of the present study were: (i) to assess the esophageal patterns in EoE by a topographic analysis of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) data; and (ii) to establish a relationship between motility abnormalities and symptoms of EoE, such as dysphagia and bolus impaction.Methods:  All adult patients with EoE diagnosed according to histological criteria, and controls with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and dysphagia, were included. HRM was done in EoE patients and controls. For the analysis of data, the Chicago classification was followed.Results:  HRM was performed in 21 patients with EoE, as well as in 21 controls. Of the 21 patients with EoE, 10 (48%) showed pan‐esophageal pressurization, six (28%) showed peristaltic dysfunction, and in five cases (24%), HRM was normal. There was no pan‐esophageal pressurization in controls. Nine of 10 patients with pan‐esophageal pressurization required endoscopic bolus removal (P < 0.05); none had obstructive endoscopy findings.Conclusions:  The most frequent esophageal motor abnormality measured by HRM was a pan‐esophageal pressurization. Bolus impaction in patients with EoE was associated with pan‐esophageal pressurization.
Promoter hypermethylation of the CFTR gene and clinical/pathological features associated with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: SON JI WOONG , KIM YOUNG JIN , CHO HYUN MIN , LEE SOO YOUNG , LEE SU MAN , KANG JAE‐KU , LEE JUNG UEE , LEE YU MI , KWON SUN JUNG , CHOI EUGENE , NA MOON JUN , PARK JAE YONG , KIM DONG SUN 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The exact role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in pathophysiology, and the mechanisms regulating its expression are poorly understood. The CFTR gene is known to be genetically or epigenetically associated with several cancers. In the present study, the methylation status of the promoter region of the CFTR gene and its expression in primary non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were investigated.Methods:  The methylation status of the promoter region of the CFTR gene in NSCLC tissue was assessed by pyrosequencing and methylation‐specific PCR. Expression of the CFTR gene was analysed by real‐time PCR, and CFTR gene reactivation was investigated using 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. The correlation between methylation of the CFTR gene and the clinical features of the patients was assessed.Results:  Methylation of the CFTR gene in NSCLC was quantitatively high by pyrosequencing analysis and qualitatively frequent by methylation‐specific PCR analysis. Expression of the CFTR gene was significantly lower in NSCLC compared with normal lung tissue. In addition, the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine increased CFTR gene expression. Methylation of the CFTR gene was significantly greater in squamous cell carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas. CFTR gene methylation was associated with significantly poorer survival in young patients, but not in elderly patients.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that DNA methylation may be important for downregulation of CFTR gene expression in lung cancer. Promoter hypermethylation of the CFTR gene may be an important prognostic factor in younger patients with NSCLC.
Indications and outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in a tertiary hospital in the developing world
Authors: Pan Qing , Li Xiuyi , Gu Yangshun 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  To assess the indications for and graft outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in a tertiary hospital in China.Design:  A retrospective analysis of hospital records of patients, who had undergone PK at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University in China over a 10‐year period, was performed.Participants:  A total of 203 eyes met the inclusion criteria for this study.Methods:  All PKs were performed with a standard technique throughout.Main Outcome Measures:  Outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity at last follow‐up, and overall graft survival. Data were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival methods, univariate analysis and multivariate cox proportional hazards regression modelling.Results:  Among 203 eyes included in this study, the most common indications for PK in this study group were corneal scar caused by herpes simplex keratitis (24.1%) and trauma (mechanical and chemical) (21.2%). At the last follow‐up, significantly more patients (35.0%) achieved 20/40 or better after PK compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). Overall, the 2‐year graft survival rate was 79.9 ± 3.6%. In a univariate analysis, gender, indications for PK, type of operative procedure, rejection episode, postoperative glaucoma and postoperative herpetic recurrence were shown to be significantly associated with graft survival. In a multivariate analysis, three independent predictors of graft failure were identified including indications, gender and rejection episode.Conclusions:  PK is effectively performed to improve visual function in southeast China. The outcomes of this study concur with other published studies and can be used as prognostic guidelines for any tertiary hospital in developing world.
Social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy: a review
Authors: Fenwick Eva , Rees Gwyn , Pesudovs Konrad , Dirani Mohamed , Kawasaki Ryo , Wong Tien Y , Lamoureux Ecosse 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPeople with vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy are likely to experience enhanced social and emotional strain. Critically, those with both vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy and psychosocial problems may have significantly reduced levels of functioning compared with psychologically healthy counterparts. This can cause inadequate compliance, increased strain on family functioning, worse diabetes control, increased progression of diabetic retinopathy and, consequently, further psychosocial stress resulting in a number of concerning implications for disease management, clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. However, the emotional and social health consequences of diabetic retinopathy have not yet been systematically explored. This information is crucial as it allows for a targeted approach to treatment and prevention and avoidance of the potentially detrimental implications described above. Therefore, this paper reviews the current qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding the social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy and identifies directions for future research. Key search terms were applied to the electronic databases Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and Embase and the bibliographies of relevant papers were systematically reviewed for additional references. Overall, the evidence suggests that diabetic retinopathy and associated vision loss have several debilitating effects, including disruption of family functioning, relationships and roles; increased social isolation and dependence; and deterioration of work prospects resulting in increased financial strain. Adverse emotional responses include fear, anxiety, vulnerability, guilt, loss of confidence, anger, stress and self‐perception issues. However, the research to date is largely qualitative in nature, with most quantitative studies being small, cross‐sectional and somewhat outdated. Similarly, the outcome measures used in many studies to date are suboptimal in terms of content and validity. Therefore, this review identifies the need for improved outcome measures to provide valid, meaningful measurement of the social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy and discusses potential directions for future research such as item banking and computer adaptive testing.
Mechanisms and treatment of primary angle closure: a review
Authors: Ng Weng T , Morgan William 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAngle closure can recur following peripheral iridotomy in up to 58% of cases, due to plateau iris syndrome, lens disproportion or ciliary block. Ciliary block glaucoma is an important differential diagnosis of shallow anterior chamber, angle closure and high intraocular pressure, which may occur spontaneously or following laser or surgery. Some underlying mechanisms of ciliary block glaucoma remain poorly understood but lens‐ciliary body apposition and anterior hyaloid changes with increased hydraulic resistance are major pathogenic factors. An understanding of the pathogenic factors facilitates early recognition of ciliary block glaucoma, and aids a logical sequence of intervention. We review the mechanisms of post‐iridotomy angle closure and propose a stepwise treatment strategy for these conditions.
Children on phenobarbital monotherapy requires more sedatives during MRI
Authors: Eker Hatice Evren , Yalcin Cok Oya , Aribogan Anis , Arslan Gulnaz 
Published: May 2011

SummaryBackground:  Phenobarbital induces specific hepatic cytochrome P‐450 enzyme pathways causing increased clearance of hepatically metabolized drugs. In this study, we investigated the duration and additional anesthetic requirement during Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in epileptic children with or without phenobarbital monotherapy.Methods:  In ASA I–II, 128 children, aged 1–10 years, were included. Group I: epileptic children without anti‐epileptic therapy and Group II: children with phenobarbital monotherapy. The initial sedative drugs were 0.1 mg·kg−1 midazolam with 2 mg·kg−1 ketamine. An additional 1 mg·kg−1 ketamine was administrated if required. Rescue propofol (0.5 mg·kg−1) was provided and repeated to maintain sedation. The duration and consumption of additional sedative requirements was recorded.Results:  The duration of initial and two consequent additional sedative requirements was shorter in Group II (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.27, respectively). Additional ketamine doses required for adequate sedation were lower in Group I (P = 0.016).Conclusion:  We suggest that the variability in response to the initial sedative agents during MRI requires titration of additive sedation with ketamine in epileptic children on phenobarbital monotherapy.
The haptoglobin phenotype influences the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant patients
Authors: Speeckaert R. , Brochez L. , Lambert J. , van Geel N. , Speeckaert M.M. , Claeys L. , Langlois M. , Van Laer C. , Peeters P. , Delanghe J.R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent skin cancer after organ transplantation. Currently, the pre‐identification of transplant patients at increased risk for non‐melanoma skin cancer remains difficult.Objective  To investigate the Hp polymorphism as a marker for the identification of a subset of patients with an increased susceptibility to develop SCC/Bowen’s disease.Methods  Haptoglobin phenotyping was performed with haemoglobin‐supplemented starch gel electrophoresis in 300 kidney transplant patients. High‐performance gel permeation chromatography was used in case of low serum haptoglobin concentration.Results  Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender and Mediterranean origin) showed a significant association of the Hp 1‐1 phenotype with a higher risk of SCC/Bowen’s disease (P = 0.035) and multiple primary SCCs (P = 0.002). No significant difference between the Hp phenotypes was found for the development of Bowen’s disease and SCCs in the first 10 years following renal transplantation. However, after a follow‐up of >10 years, a significant association between the Hp 1‐1 phenotype and the occurrence of Bowen’s disease and SCC was reported (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 respectively).Conclusions  This study shows an increased risk for the development of (multiple) SCCs in kidney transplant patients with the Hp 1‐1 phenotype. This finding points to the role of Hp 1‐1 phenotype as an important predictor in identifying a subset of patients with an increased need for preventive measures and is in agreement with the decreased anti‐inflammatory capacity of this phenotype.
The Harlequin phenomenon
Authors: Januário G. , Salgado M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe Harlequin phenomenon (HF) is a rare event that consists of a sudden paroxystic change in skin colour, resulting in two different body colours. It is most common in the newborn and can be a generalized phenomenon or only involve a specific body area. The HF of the newborn is thought to be secondary to a relative hypothalamic control immaturity of the sympathetic peripheral vascular tonus, although it has also been described in other age groups, primarily located to the face and neck and mostly caused by a sympathetic disautonomy. While certainly peculiar, the HF is a benign event in the newborn. Beyond this age the search for an underlying cause should be vigorously pursued.
Strategic Eurosceptics and polite xenophobes: Support for the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) in the 2009 European Parliament elections
Authors: FORD ROBERT , GOODWIN MATTHEW J. , CUTTS DAVID 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWhile Euroscepticism is the most important driver of United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) support, other attitudinal drivers – namely dissatisfaction towards mainstream parties and xenophobia – are also important. Examining vote‐switching between first‐ and second‐order elections evidence is found of a distinction between two types of supporter: more affluent and middle‐class ‘strategic defectors’ from the mainstream Conservative Party who support UKIP to register their Euroscepticism, and more economically marginal and politically disaffected ‘core loyalists’ who are attracted to UKIP by its anti‐immigration rhetoric and populist anti‐establishment strategy. UKIP also succeeds in attracting core support from groups such as women who have traditionally rejected extreme right parties such as the British National Party (BNP). This suggests that UKIP is well positioned to recruit a broader and more enduring base of support than the BNP.
Uveitis associated with septic peritonitis in a cat
Authors: Pumphrey Stephanie A. , Pirie Christopher G. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective
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To report a case of bilateral uveitis believed to be a consequence of septic peritonitis in a 19‐month‐old cat.Case Summary
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Bilateral anterior uveitis with suspicion of extension to the posterior segment was documented in a previously healthy young cat during hospitalization for severe septic peritonitis. Based on medical history and other findings uveitis was believed to result from concurrent abdominal sepsis, due either to metastatic seeding of bacterial organisms or to effects of bacterial toxins and inflammatory mediators on the blood‐aqueous barrier. The cat was surgically and medically managed, and made a full recovery with respect to both his ocular and his abdominal disease.New or Unique Information Provided
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Ocular complications secondary to systemic sepsis are well documented in people but seldom reported in the veterinary literature. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of uveitis linked to septic peritonitis in any veterinary species and the first to report sepsis‐related uveitis in a cat. Ocular inflammatory disease in the context of critical illness deserves attention as a potential significant source of morbidity. The development of ocular inflammatory disease may serve as a sentinel lesion for systemic sepsis and other life‐threatening conditions.
Agmatine in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus stimulates feeding in rats: involvement of neuropeptide Y
Authors: Taksande BG , Kotagale NR , Nakhate KT , Mali PD , Kokare DM , Hirani K , Subhedar NK , Chopde CT , Ugale RR 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Agmatine, a multifaceted neurotransmitter, is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Our aim was to assess (i) the effect of agmatine on feeding behaviour and (ii) its association, if any, with neuropeptide Y (NPY).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Satiated rats fitted with intra‐PVN cannulae were administered agmatine, alone or jointly with (i) α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, or antagonist, yohimbine; (ii) NPY, NPY Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]‐NPY, or antagonist, BIBP3226; or (iii) yohimbine and NPY. Cumulative food intake was monitored at different post‐injection time points. Furthermore, the expression of hypothalamic NPY following i.p. treatment with agmatine, alone or in combination with yohimbine (i.p.), was evaluated by immunocytochemistry.KEY RESULTS Agmatine robustly increased feeding in a dose‐dependent manner. While pretreatment with clonidine augmented, yohimbine attenuated the orexigenic response to agmatine. Similarly, NPY and [Leu31, Pro34]‐NPY potentiated the agmatine‐induced hyperphagia, whereas BIBP3226 inhibited it. Moreover, yohimbine attenuated the synergistic orexigenic effect induced by the combination of NPY and agmatine. Agmatine increased NPY immunoreactivity in the PVN fibres and in the cells of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and this effect was prevented by pretreatment with yohimbine. NPY immunoreactivity in the fibres of the ARC, dorsomedial, ventromedial and lateral nuclei of the hypothalamus was not affected by any of the above treatments.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The orexigenic effect of agmatine is coupled to increased NPY activity mediated by stimulation of α2‐adrenoceptors within the PVN. This signifies the importance of agmatine or α2‐adrenoceptor modulators in the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat feeding‐related disorders.
Cardiac dysfunction in adipose triglyceride lipase deficiency: treatment with a PPARα agonist
Authors: Wölkart G , Schrammel A , Dörffel K , Haemmerle G , Zechner R , Mayer B 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) has been identified as a rate‐limiting enzyme of mammalian triglyceride catabolism. Deletion of the ATGL gene in mice results in severe lipid accumulation in a variety of tissues including the heart. In the present study we investigated cardiac function in ATGL‐deficient mice and the potential therapeutic effects of the PPARα and γ agonists Wy14,643 and rosiglitazone, respectively.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHHearts isolated from wild‐type (WT) mice and ATGL(‐/‐) mice treated with Wy14,643 (PPARα agonist), rosiglitazone (PPARγ agonist) or vehicle were perfused at a constant flow using the Langendorff technique. Left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume relationships were established, and the response to adrenergic stimulation was determined with noradrenaline (NA).KEY RESULTSHearts from ATGL(‐/‐) mice generated higher LV end‐diastolic pressure and lower LV developed pressure as a function of intracardiac balloon volume compared to those from WT mice. Likewise, passive wall stress was increased and active wall stress decreased in ATGL(‐/‐) hearts. Contractile and microvascular responses to NA were substantially reduced in ATGL(‐/‐) hearts. Cardiac contractility was improved by treating ATGL(‐/‐) mice with the PPARα agonist Wy14,643 but not with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur results indicate that lipid accumulation in mouse hearts caused by ATGL gene deletion severely affects systolic and diastolic function, as well as the response to adrenergic stimulation. The beneficial effects of Wy14,643 suggest that the cardiac phenotype of these mice is partially due to impaired PPARα signalling.
Modulation of presynaptic GABAA receptors by endogenous neurosteroids
Authors: Kim B‐G , Cho J‐H , Choi I‐S , Lee M‐G , Jang I‐S 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although 3α‐hydroxy, 5α‐reduced pregnane steroids, such as allopregnanolone (AlloP) and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, are endogenous positive modulators of postsynaptic GABAA receptors, the functional roles of endogenous neurosteroids in synaptic transmission are still largely unknown.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In this study, the effect of AlloP on spontaneous glutamate release was examined in mechanically isolated dentate gyrus hilar neurons by use of the conventional whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique.KEY RESULTS AlloP increased the frequency of glutamatergic spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in a dose‐dependent manner. The AlloP‐induced increase in sEPSC frequency was completely blocked by a non‐competitive GABAA receptor blocker, tetrodotoxin or Cd2+, suggesting that AlloP acts on presynaptic GABAA receptors to depolarize presynaptic nerve terminals to increase the probability of spontaneous glutamate release. On the other hand, γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) significantly decreased the basal frequency of sEPSCs. However, γ‐CD failed to decrease the basal frequency of sEPSCs in the presence of a non‐competitive GABAA receptor antagonist or tetrodotoxin. In addition, γ‐CD failed to decrease the basal frequency of sEPSCs after blocking the synthesis of endogenous 5α‐reduced pregnane steroids. Furthermore, γ‐CD decreased the extent of muscimol‐induced increase in sEPSC frequency, suggesting that endogenous neurosteroids can directly activate and/or potentiate presynaptic GABAA receptors to affect spontaneous glutamate release onto hilar neurons.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The modulation of presynaptic GABAA receptors by endogenous neurosteroids might affect the excitability of the dentate gyrus‐hilus‐CA3 network, and thus contribute, at least in part, to some pathological conditions, such as catamenial epilepsy and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Urinary ammonia excretion increases acutely during living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Mpabanzi Liliane , van den Broek Maartje A. J. , Visschers Ruben G. J. , van de Poll Marcel C. G. , Nadalin Silvio , Saner Fuat H. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Malago Massimo , Olde Damink Steven W. M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Arterial ammonia concentrations increase acutely during the anhepatic phase of a liver transplantation (LTx) and return to baseline within 1 h after reperfusion of a functioning liver graft. So far, this return to baseline has solely been attributed to hepatic ammonia clearance. No data exist on the potential contribution of altered renal ammonia handling to peritransplantation ammonia homoeostasis.Aim: The present study investigated the consequences of a hepatectomy and subsequent implantation of a partial liver graft on arterial ammonia concentrations and urinary ammonia excretion during a living donor liver transplantation (LDLTx).Methods: Patients with end‐stage liver disease undergoing LDLTx were selected. Samples of arterial blood and urine were taken before, during and 2 h after the anhepatic phase. Differences were tested using Wilcoxon's test. Results are given as median and range.Results: Eleven adult patients undergoing an LDLTx were included. Before hepatectomy, arterial ammonia concentrations were 89 μM (40–156 μM), increasing to 146 μM (102–229 μM) (P<0.001) during the anhepatic phase and returning to 79 μM (46–111 μM) (P<0.01) after reperfusion. Urinary ammonia excretion was initially 1.06 mmol/h (0.02–6.00 mmol/h), increasing to 3.81 mmol/h (0.32–12.55 mmol/h) (P=0.004) during the anhepatic phase and further increasing to 4.00 mmol/h (0.79–9.51 mmol/h) (P=0.013) after reperfusion.Conclusion: The kidney significantly increased urinary ammonia excretion during the anhepatic phase, which was sustained after reperfusion, contributing to the rapid decrease of ammonia concentrations. Accordingly, the plasma ammonia concentrations measured directly after LTx cannot simply be used as a read‐out of initial liver graft function.