bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal side effects in chronic opioid users: results from a population‐based survey
Authors: COOK S. F. , LANZA L. , ZHOU X. , SWEENEY C. T. , GOSS D. , HOLLIS K. , MANGEL A. W. , FEHNEL S. E. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground  Gastrointestinal side effects are commonly associated with opioid treatment for pain.Aim  To understand gastrointestinal side effects associated with opioid treatment.Methods  This study was a population‐based survey of adults in the US who use opioids to manage pain unrelated to cancer. Participants were recruited from an existing Web‐enabled panel and a supplemental panel of individuals who previously indicated an interest in participating in Web‐based surveys.Results  Overall, 2055 individuals participated in the main phase of the survey. Fifty‐seven per cent of participants reported having had constipation that they associated with opioid treatment, and 49% reported constipation in the previous 4 weeks. Thirty‐six per cent of participants reported new or worsening constipation in the previous 4 weeks. Thirty‐three per cent of participants reported constipation as their most bothersome symptom associated with opioid treatment, 13% reported nausea, 11% abdominal pain and 10% gas. Seventy‐three per cent of the participants who reported any GI symptoms did not change the dosage level or frequency of use of opioids because of adverse events, which may be explained by the fact that 72% of participants used over‐the‐counter laxatives and 12% a prescription laxative.Conclusion  Constipation is a frequent and significant event occurring with opioid use.
Systematic review: gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and dental lesions
Authors: PACE F. , PALLOTTA S. , TONINI M. , VAKIL N. , BIANCHI PORRO G. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground  Dental erosion (DE), which is the irreversible loss of tooth substance that does not involve bacteria ranging from a minimal loss of surface enamel to the partial or complete exposure of dentine by a chemical process, is acknowledged as an established extra‐oesophageal manifestation of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the real impact of GERD in the genesis of this lesion remains unclear.Aim  To review the existing literature to assess the relationship between DE and GERD.Methods  Studies that assessed the prevalence of DE in individuals with GERD or vice versa were identified in Medline and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register via a systematic research strategy.Results  Seventeen studies met the selection criteria. Studies, however, differed greatly as far as design, population methods of diagnosing GERD, duration of follow‐up and, consequently, findings. The median prevalence of DE in GERD patients was 24%, with a large range (5–47.5%), and the median prevalence of GERD in DE adults patients was 32.5% (range: 21–83%) and in paediatric population 17% (range: 14–87%). Children with GERD are found by a majority of studies at increased risk of developing DEs in comparison with healthy subjects, as are intellectually disabled people.Conclusions  This systematic review shows that there is a strong association between GERD and DE. The severity of DEs seems to be correlated with the presence of GERD symptoms, and also, at least in adults, with the severity of proximal oesophageal or oral exposure to an acidic pH. The inspection of the oral cavity in search for DEs should become a routine manoeuvre in patients with GERD.
Transient elastography accurately predicts presence of significant portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: BUREAU C. , METIVIER S. , PERON J. M. , SELVES J. , ROBIC M. A. , GOURRAUD P. A. , ROUQUET O. , DUPUIS E. , ALRIC L. , VINEL J. P. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground  Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a prognostic marker in patients with cirrhosis. Transient elastography measures liver stiffness (LS).Aim  To assess the correlation between LS and HVPG and to investigate the performance of transient elastography for the diagnosis of significant portal hypertension (PHT).Methods  Liver stiffness was measured by Fibroscan in 150 consecutive patients who underwent a liver biopsy with haemodynamic measurements. Usual clinical and biological data were collected. Significant PHT was defined as a HVPG ≥10 mmHg.Results  Hepatic venous pressure gradient was found to be ≥10 mmHg in 76 patients. Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 89 patients. HVPG was found to be correlated with: LS (ρ = 0.858; P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with prothrombin index (ρ = −0.718; P < 0.001). Regarding significant PHT, AUROC for LS and prothrombin index were 0.945 [0.904–0.987] and 0.892 [0.837–0.947] respectively. The cut‐off value of 21 kPa accurately predicted significant PHT in 92% of the 144 patients for whom LS was successful.Conclusion  Liver stiffness measurement is correlated with HVPG and transient elastography identifies patients with significant PHT.
Clinical trial: exposure to ribavirin predicts EVR and SVR in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a plus ribavirin
Authors: BAIN V. G. , LEE S. S. , PELTEKIAN K. , YOSHIDA E. M. , DESCHÊNES M. , SHERMAN M. , BAILEY R. , WITT‐SULLIVAN H. , BALSHAW R. , KRAJDEN M. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE CANADIAN PEGASYS STUDY GROUP
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground  The impact of reduced drug exposure on outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C has not been determined in routine clinical practice.Aim  To examine the impact of exposure to peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin on early virological response (EVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) in treatment‐naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 infection enrolled in a large expanded access programme.Methods  Eight hundred and ninety‐one patients treated for 48 weeks with an initial ribavirin dose of 800 or 1000/1200 mg/day were evaluated. Ribavirin 1000 mg/day (<75 kg) or 1200 mg/day (≥75 kg) and peginterferon alfa‐2a 180 μg/week were considered optimal. The impact of reduced drug exposure (expressed as a percentage of optimal) on EVR and SVR was evaluated.Results  Mean ribavirin exposure in week 0–12 was 70% and 96% in patients assigned to ribavirin 800 and 1000/1200 mg/day, respectively. EVR and SVR rates were lower in patients assigned to ribavirin 800 than 1000/1200 mg/day (EVR, 75% vs. 84%, respectively, P < 0.001; SVR, 45% vs. 54%, respectively, P = 0.011). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between achievement of EVR and SVR and ribavirin dose over the first 12 weeks expressed either as absolute dose or proportion of optimal dose received (P < 0.001 for both).Conclusions  Ribavirin exposure to week 12 is significantly associated with EVR and SVR in genotype 1 patients. Maintenance of an optimal ribavirin dose is the most important modifiable factor during combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
Changes of gastric histology in patients with erosive oesophagitis receiving long‐term lansoprazole maintenance therapy
Authors: Haber M. M. , Hunt B. , Freston J. W. , Peura D. A. , Kovacs T. O. , Atkinson S. , Hisada M. 
Published: July 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 83–96SummaryBackground  Changes in gastric histology associated with long‐term maintenance therapy with lansoprazole for erosive oesophagitis have not been well described.Aim  To evaluate the effect on gastric histology of long‐term dose‐titrated lansoprazole administered as maintenance therapy for up to 82 months in patients with erosive oesophagitis.Methods  Sequential gastric biopsy specimens were obtained for evaluation of histological changes and Helicobacter pylori infection status.Results  Active and chronic inflammation improved from baseline to final visit in a majority of patients receiving long‐term therapy with lansoprazole, irrespective of baseline H. pylori infection status. Reductions in active inflammation in the gastric body and antrum were seen in 53% (17/32) and 67% (20/30) of H. pylori‐positive patients, respectively, and in 88% (7/8) and 86% (12/14) of H. pylori‐negative patients, respectively. Reductions in chronic inflammation in the gastric body and antrum were seen in 38% (12/32) and 47% (15/32) of H. pylori‐positive patients, respectively, and in 58% (70/121) and 57% (68/120) of H. pylori‐negative patients, respectively. No clinically meaningful increases in hyperplasia, dysplasia, neoplasia, intestinal metaplasia or atrophy were observed during the follow‐up period.Conclusions  Lansoprazole administered as maintenance therapy for up to 6 years in patients with erosive oesophagitis demonstrated gastric mucosal safety and was well tolerated.
Lymphogranuloma venereum proctitis masquerading as inflammatory bowel disease in 12 homosexual men
Authors: Soni S. , Srirajaskanthan R. , Lucas S. B. , Alexander S. , Wong T. , White J. A. 
Published: July 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 59–65SummaryBackground  Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a recognized cause of proctitis. Symptoms, endoscopy and histology findings are similar in IBD and LGV proctitis.Aims  To characterize the clinical, endoscopic and histological features seen in men diagnosed initially with IBD and subsequently with LGV proctitis, and to attempt isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis DNA from the stored rectal biopsy specimens of these patients using real‐time PCR.Methods  Clinical data were collated from confirmed or suspected cases of LGV proctitis where endoscopy and biopsy had been performed as part of the investigation of clinical symptoms. LGV was confirmed by the detection of LGV‐specific DNA from rectal swab specimens, with supportive evidence from Chlamydial serology. Stored histological specimens from rectal biopsies were analysed retrospectively for LGV‐specific DNA with molecular techniques.Results  Rectal biopsies had been obtained from twelve cases of LGV proctitis. Mucosal ulcers, cryptitis, crypt abscesses and granulomas were common histological findings. Extraction of LGV‐specific DNA from rectal biopsy specimens enabled confirmation of three suspected cases.Conclusions  During the recent LGV proctitis epidemic among UK men who have sex with men, it has become apparent that this infection may closely resemble IBD. Gastroenterologists should remain alert to LGV as a cause of proctitis in this group.
Meta‐analysis: the effects of placebo treatment on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Cremonini F. , Ziogas D. C. , Chang H. Y. , Kokkotou E. , Kelley J. M. , Conboy L. , Kaptchuk T. J. , Lembo A. J. 
Published: July 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 29–42SummaryBackground  There appears to be a significant placebo response rate in clinical trials for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Little is known about the determinants and the circumstances associated with placebo response in the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Aims  To estimate the magnitude of the placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials for GERD and to identify factors that influence this response.Methods  A meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials, published in English language, which included >20 patients with GERD, treated with either a proton pump inhibitor or H2‐receptor antagonist for at least 2 weeks. Medline, Cochrane and EMBASE databases were searched, considering only studies that reported a global response for ‘heartburn’.Results  A total of 24 studies included 9989 patients with GERD. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for response to active treatment vs. placebo was 3.71 (95% CI: 2.78–4.96). The pooled estimate of the overall placebo response was 18.85% (range 2.94%–47.06%). Patients with erosive oesophagitis had a non‐significantly lower placebo response rate than patients without it (11.87% and 18.31%, respectively; P = 0.246). Placebo response was significantly lower in studies of PPI therapy vs. studies of H2 RAs (14.51% vs. 24.69%, respectively; P = 0.05).Conclusions  The placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials for GERD is substantial. A lower placebo response was associated with the testing of PPIs, but not the presence of erosive oesophagitis.
Determination of pig apolipoprotein B genotype by gene amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis
Authors: Kaiser M. E. , Sturley S. L. , Attie A. D. , Nevin D. N. , Purtell C. 
Published: July 2010

SummarySequence differences within the pig apoB gene can be used to identify rapidly four of eight known pig apoB alleles, designated LPB1‐LPB8. We describe the use of gene amplification, followed by endonuclease digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis, to discern size and restriction site differences. LPB5, a common allele associated with reduced low density lipoprotein clearance and hypercholesterolaemia in pigs, is identified by a 283‐bp insertion in intron 28. LPB3 and LPB7 are distinguished by a unique HindIII site; LPB8 shares a unique HincII site with LPB5. This method facilitates identification of the apoB genotype of pigs used in lipoprotein research and allows for further investigation into the association of particular apoB alleles with lipoprotein metabolism abnormalities.
Lack of acetylcholine nicotine alpha 7 receptor suppresses development of collagen-induced arthritis and adaptive immunity
Authors: Westman M , Saha S , Morshed M , Lampa J 
Published: July 2010

Summary
Activation of the alpha7 receptor (α7nAChR) has been shown to be important in inflammation and immune regulation, and is also essential in the neural cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of α7nAChR in the development of experimental arthritis and immune activation. Mice lacking the α7nAChR were immunized with collagen II and the development of arthritis was assessed. Another group of α7nAChR-deficient mice was immunized with ovalbumin, spleen and lymph node cells were isolated and the proliferative responses to restimulation with ovalbumin or concanavalin A were investigated. We could demonstrate significantly milder arthritis and less cartilage destruction, together with a decrease of T cell content in lymph nodes in mice lacking the α7nAChR compared to wild-type controls. In addition, mice lacking the α7nAChR had a deficient proliferative response to concanavalin A, whereas antigen presentation-dependent proliferation was not affected. These results indicate important roles for α7nAChR in arthritis development as well as in regulation of T cell-dependent immunological mechanisms. In addition, the data implicate α7nAChR as a therapeutic target for modulation of adaptive immune responses.
The effect of paternal diet‐induced obesity on sperm function and fertilization in a mouse model
Authors: Bakos H. W. , Mitchell M. , Setchell B. P. , Lane M. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryAlthough obvious effects of obesity on female reproduction and oocytes are emerging, the effects on male fertility and sperm quality are less clear with studies reporting conflicting results. We hypothesize that male obesity affects sperm function and physiology probably as a result of elevated oxidative stress in spermatozoa and therefore elevated levels of sperm DNA damage and loss of function. Six‐week‐old C57/Bl6 male mice (n = 36) were randomly allocated to two groups: group 1 (n = 18) received a control diet, whereas group 2 (n = 18) received a high‐fat diet (HFD). At the completion of a 9‐week period, mice were sacrificed and spermatozoa were obtained. Sperm motility, concentration, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and sperm DNA damage were measured. The ability of the sperm to undergo capacitation, acrosome reaction, sperm binding and ability to fertilize an oocyte were also assessed. The percentage of motile spermatozoa was decreased in the HFD group compared with controls (36 ± 2% vs. 44 ± 4%; p < 0.05). Intracellular ROS was elevated (692 ± 83 vs. 409 ± 22 units; p < 0.01) in the HFD group compared with controls. Sperm DNA damage was also increased (1.64 ± 0.6% vs. 0.17 ± 0.06%; p < 0.05) in the HFD group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the percentage of non‐capacitated sperm was significantly lower compared with controls (12.34% vs. 21.06%; p < 0.01). The number of sperm bound to each oocyte was significantly lower (41.14 ± 2.5 vs. 58.39 ± 2.4; p < 0.01) in the HFD group compared with that in controls and resulted in significantly lower fertilization rates (25.9% vs. 43.9%; p < 0.01). This report provides evidence that obesity may induce oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage as well as decreased fertilizing ability. This is important as DNA damage in the sperm as a result of oxidative stress has been linked to poor reproductive outcomes.
Sleep problems in children with mental handicap
Authors: QUINE L. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT.This paper reports on a longitudinal study of sleep problems in 200 children with severe mental handicap. Sleep problems were exiremely common: 51% of children had settling problems. 67% of children had waking problems, and 32% of parents said they rarely got enough sleep. Sleep problems were also very persistent: between a half and two‐thirds of children who exhibited sleep problems ai Time 1 still had them 3 years later. Sleep problems were associated with a number of child characteristics: poor communication skills, poor academic skills, poor self‐help skills, incontinence, daytime behaviour problems and epilepsy. There were no relationships with family variables such as social class, income, family composition or housing tenure. However, maternal stress, maternal irritability and pwrceived impact on the family were related to sleep problems. A Sleep Index was constructed, and path analysis was used to trace the main causal pathways of the child, family and social characteristics. Ten variables explained 50% of the variance in the Sleep Problems Index. Communication skills played a pivotal role. The implications of the findings for intervention strategies are discussed.
Subtest profiles of the WISC‐R and WAIS in mentally retarded patients with epilepsy
Authors: FORCEVILLE E. J. M. , DEKKER M. J. A. , ALDENKAMP A. P. , ALPHERTS W. C. J. , SCHELVIS A. J. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT.In this study, WISC‐R and WAIS subtest profiles of mentally retarded patients with epilepsy are analysed with respect to the Verbal‐Performance IQ Discrepancy scores and rank order of mean subtest scores. The relative strengths and weaknesses in cognitive patterns of this sample are compared with subtest profiles mentioned in the literature on mentally retarded populations and samples of normal intelligent patients with epilepsy in order to determine the impact of epilepsy factors on cognition. The results indicate that people with mental retardation have problems with the verbal subtests Arithmetic, Vocabulary and Information, while patients with epilepsy have problems with Coding (Digit Symbol), Digit Span and Information. For this sample of mentally retarded patients with epilepsy, the most difficult subtests are Digit Span and Coding. The results concerning subtest profiles in different populations are discussed in light of the deleterious impact of epilepsy on cognition, which may superimpose the general effect of brain damage in mentally retarded patients. It is suggested that especially attentional processes, as measured with the subtest Coding, are vulnerable for epilepsy factors.
The administration of psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs to children with profound intellectual disability and multiple impairments*
Authors: HOGG J. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTA national (England and Wales) postal survey of families with a son or daughter with profound intellectual disability and multiple physical and sensory impairments who lived at home was undertaken. A section ofthe questionnaire dealt widi prescription of major tranquillizers, drugs with a sedative function, anticonvulsants and stimulants, while among other variables information was also collected on sex, age, behaviour problems, sleep difficulties and epilepsy. Of children and adults: 5.3 and 7.9%, respectively, were receiving major tranquillizers; 28.5 and 24.5%, respectively, were prescribed drugs with a sedative function; and 53.4 and 52.7% were in receipt of anticonvulsants, with no individuals in receipt of stimulants. Only 1–5% ofthe total sample received major tranquillizers, drugs with a sedative function and anticonvulsants, though 18.9% were prescribed drugs from two classes, notably drugs with a sedative function and anticonvulsants. In all, 66.3% ofthe combined child and adult samples received at least one drug from the classes investigated. No sex bias in prescribing was found. Receipt of major tranquillizers bore some relation to reported behaviour problems, while administration of sedatives and anticonvulsants were related respectively to reports of sleep problems and occurrence of epilepsy.
Prediction of the number of Down's syndrome infants to be born in England and Wales up to the year 2000 and their likely survival rates
Authors: NICHOLSON A. , ALBERMAN E. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTUsing current demographic projection of maternal age‐structure, age‐specific fertility rates, and the availability, detection and utilization rates of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent termination rates, predictions are made of the likely numbers of births witb Down's syndrome (DS) in England and Wales to be expected up to the year 2000. Further predictions are made of age‐specific prevalence of the condition bearing in mind recent trends in stirvival. These figures show that, despite current screening policies based on maternal age alone, the observed live birth prevalence of DS will rise to levels higher tban bave been seen for 20 years. Together with consistently increased survival, this will mean that, throughout the next century, tbe population prevalence of DS will be higher than ever before. Work based in other countries has reached similar conclusions. As the prevention of all birtbs affected by DS is not possible in the forseeable future, and some would argue that it is not desirable, society will need to provide for those affected.
A double‐blind comparison of zuclopenithixol tablets with placebo in the treatment of mentally handicapped in‐patients with associated behavioural disorders
Authors: SINGH I. , OWINO W. J. E. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTFifty‐two mentally‐handicapped in‐patients with associated behavioural disorders were entered into this double‐blind trial comparing zuclopemhixol dihydrochloride tablets (10 mg) with placebo. The study consisted of a 6‐week open phase, in which all patients were treated with zuclopenthixol tablets, followed by a 12‐week double‐blind phase where approximately half of the patients were transferred to placebo tablets. Demographic data was obtained from the patients at entry to the study. Clinical assessments were performed at weeks 6, 7, 8, 10, 14 and 18 using the Clinical Global Assessment (CGA), a Behavioural Disorder Assessment prepared specially for this study, and a side‐effect check list. Analyses of the rating scales showed significant differences in favour of zuclopenthixol at end‐point on the item‘improvement in behaviour disorder’from the CGA and at week 14 and end‐point on the Assessment of Behavioural Disorder. All other results demonstrated a favourable trend towards the zuclopenthixol treatment. Side‐effects were reported slightly more frequently in the zuclopenthixot group, but generally, they were not a problem.