bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asian consensus on irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Gwee Kok‐Ann , Bak Young‐Tae , Ghoshal Uday Chand , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Lee Oh Young , Fock Kwong Ming , Chua Andrew Seng Boon , Lu Ching‐Liang , Goh Khean‐Lee , Kositchaiwat Chomsri , Makharia Govind , Park Hyo‐Jin , Chang Full‐Young , Fukudo Shin , Choi Myung‐Gyu , Bhatia Shobna , Ke Meiyun , Hou Xiaohua , Hongo Michio 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Many of the ideas on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are derived from studies conducted in Western societies. Their relevance to Asian societies has not been critically examined. Our objectives were to bring to attention important data from Asian studies, articulate the experience and views of our Asian experts, and provide a relevant guide on this poorly understood condition for doctors and scientists working in Asia.Methods:  A multinational group of physicians from Asia with special interest in IBS raised statements on IBS pertaining to symptoms, diagnosis, epidemiology, infection, pathophysiology, motility, management, and diet. A modified Delphi approach was employed to present and grade the quality of evidence, and determine the level of agreement.Results:  We observed that bloating and symptoms associated with meals were prominent complaints among our IBS patients. In the majority of our countries, we did not observe a female predominance. In some Asian populations, the intestinal transit times in healthy and IBS patients appear to be faster than those reported in the West. High consultation rates were observed, particularly in the more affluent countries. There was only weak evidence to support the perception that psychological distress determines health‐care seeking. Dietary factors, in particular, chili consumption and the high prevalence of lactose malabsorption, were perceived to be aggravating factors, but the evidence was weak.Conclusions:  This detailed compilation of studies from different parts of Asia, draws attention to Asian patients' experiences of IBS.
Role of epoxide hydrolase 1 gene polymorphisms in esophageal cancer in a high‐risk area in India
Authors: Ihsan Rakhshan , Chattopadhyay Indranil , Phukan Rupkumar , Mishra Ashwani K , Purkayastha Joydeep , Sharma Jagannath , Zomawia Eric , Verma Yogesh , Mahanta Jagadish , Saxena Sunita , Kapur Sujala 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) is involved in the metabolism of environmental and tobacco carcinogens. Tobacco smoking, betel quid chewing, and alcohol consumption are the major known risk factors for esophageal cancer. The present case‐control study evaluated the influence of EPHX1 genetic variations on esophageal cancer susceptibility in 142 patients and 185 healthy controls from a high‐incidence region of India where tobacco use and alcohol consumption are widespread and the users of these two substances are also betel quid chewers.Methods:  EPHX1 polymorphic alleles (exon 3, Tyr113His and exon 4, His139Arg) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method and direct sequencing. The results were analyzed using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).Results:  Patients with exon 4 genotypes (139His/Arg, 139Arg/Arg) and the 139Arg allele were significantly associated with a risk of esophageal cancer (ORHis139Arg 1.887, 95% CI = 1.112–3.201, P = 0.019; ORArg139Arg 7.140, 95% CI = 1.276–393.953, P = 0.025 and ORArg 1.83, 95% CI = 1.19–2.82, P = 0.003). The 139His/Arg genotype was a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer in tobacco chewers and betel quid chewers. Patients with the 139Arg/Arg genotype were at significantly higher risk for developing a well‐differentiated and moderately‐differentiated grade of tumor. In contrast, the 113His/His genotype of exon 3 was a significant protective factor for esophageal cancer in tobacco smokers (OR 0.291, 95% CI = 0.138–0.616, P = 0.001), betel quid chewers (OR 0.434, 95% CI = 0.236–0.797, P = 0.007), and alcohol users.Conclusion:  EPHX1 exon 4 139His/Arg, and 139Arg/Arg genotypes were associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer in a high‐risk area of India.
Role of polymorphic N‐acetyl transferase2 and cytochrome P4502E1 gene in antituberculosis treatment‐induced hepatitis
Authors: Bose Purabi Deka , Sarma Manash Pratim , Medhi Subhash , Das Bhudev Chandra , Husain Syed Akhtar , Kar Premashis 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Antituberculosis drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin, in combination, are known to develop drug‐induced hepatotoxicity (DIH). A higher risk of DIH during antituberculosis treatment (ATT) has been reported in the Indian subcontinent compared to its Western counterparts. The role of genetic factors in a higher incidence of ATT hepatotoxicity in the Indian population is still unclear. The present study was aimed at investigating the role of the N‐acetyltransferase2 (NAT2) and cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) gene polymorphisms in ATT hepatotoxicity.Methods:  The study population included 218 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were started on ATT and followed up for the occurrence of ATT‐induced hepatitis. The genetic polymorphisms of the NAT2 and CYP2E1 genes were studied by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:  The occurrence of DIH was 18.8% (41/218). There was a higher prevalence of NAT2 slow‐acetylator genotypes in DIH (70.73%) compared to non‐DIH (44.63%; P < 0.05). The frequency of the NAT2*5/*7 and NAT2*6/*7 genotypes was significantly higher in DIH than non‐DIH (19.51% vs 6.78%, and 19.51% vs 5.08%). No association of the CYP2E1 RsaI polymorphism could be demonstrated with DIH. However, the DraI C/D genotype of the CYP2E1 gene was mostly prevalent in DIH (85.37%), compared to non‐DIH (64.41%) (P < 0.05). Slow‐acetylator status and the CYP2E1 C/D or C/C genotype together showed a higher frequency in DIH (65.85%) compared to non‐DIH (28.81%) (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  The study demonstrates for the first time a possible association between the DraI polymorphism of the CYP2E1 gene and the risk of ATT hepatotoxicity. The genotyping of the NAT2 and CYP2E1 genes could possibly identify the groups at highest risk of developing ATT‐induced hepatitis prior to medication.
Adaptive immune responses during acute uncomplicated and fulminant hepatitis E
Authors: Srivastava Ratika , Aggarwal Rakesh , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Alam Mohammad Intakhab , Jameel Shahid , Naik Sita 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in several developing countries. Clinical manifestations of this infection vary widely from asymptomatic infection to uncomplicated acute viral hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure. The pathogenesis of this disease and the reason of varying disease severity remain unknown. In viral infections, tissue injury can be caused either by virus itself or by host immune responses directed against infected cells. We therefore studied adaptive immune responses to HEV antigens in patients with hepatitis E of varying disease severity and healthy controls.Methods:  Cytokine secreting CD4+ T cells and antibody‐producing B cells specific for HEV were enumerated through intracellular cytokine staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assay, respectively.Results:  Patients with fulminant hepatitis E had a less marked expansion of HEV‐specific interferon‐γ or tumor necrosis factor‐α secreting CD4+ T cells than patients with uncomplicated hepatitis E and healthy controls. These patients also had fewer CD4+ T cells that produce γ‐interferon or tumor necrosis factor‐α upon in vitro polyclonal stimulation. In addition, patients with fulminant disease had a more marked expansion of B cells that can secrete immunoglobulin G anti‐HEV than patients with uncomplicated infection and control patients.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that less‐marked antiviral cellular immune responses and heightened antiviral humoral responses are associated with a more severe disease during HEV infection.
Community‐based prostate cancer screening in Japan: Predicting factors for positive repeat biopsy
Authors: Okada Koichi , Okihara Koji , Kitamura Koji , Mikami Kazuya , Ukimura Osamu , Kawauchi Akihiro , Kamoi Kazumi , Nakao Masahiro , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  To assess possible predictors in determining criteria for repeat biopsy in a prostate cancer screening population.Methods:  A total of 50 207 men over 55 years‐of‐age have participated in a prostate cancer screening program in Otokuni, Kyoto, Japan for 12 years. Transperineal systematic biopsy was carried out in case of positive digital rectal examination (DRE) or positive transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) or a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value greater than 10.0 ng/mL. For those with a PSA level from 4.1 to 10.0 ng/mL, and negative DRE and TRUS findings, biopsy was indicated only when PSA density (PSAD) was greater than 0.15. The same indication was applied for the repeat biopsy.Results:  A repeat biopsy after an interval of more than 2 years was carried out in 140 patients and was positive in 50 (36%) patients. The PSA value at the diagnosis of cancer declined from the initial value in six (12%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, PSA velocity (PSAV) as well as PSAD and DRE findings at latest screening were independent predictors for positive repeat‐biopsy outcome. The odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) of PSAV >0.48, latest PSAD >0.33 and positive latest DRE were 4.17 (1.05–18.5), 4.15 (1.31–14.0), and 3.62 (1.06–13.2), respectively. A combination of three variables defined as positive if any of these were positive, reduced 31% of unnecessary biopsies while missing 8% of low volume, low grade cancers.Conclusions:  A combination of latest PSAD, PSAV and positive DRE at latest screening might help to reduce unnecessary repeat biopsies in high‐risk patients with an initial negative biopsy.
De novo detrusor underactivity after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Hattori Ryohei , Komatsu Tomonori , Funahashi Yasuhito , Sassa Naoto , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: April 2010

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate bladder function following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, with a focus on de novo detrusor underactivity.Methods:  Records on pre‐ and postoperative urodynamic studies were retrospectively investigated in 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Patients exhibiting de novo detrusor underactivity were selected on the basis of an overt strain voiding pattern during the postoperative pressure flow study with detrusor pressure at a maximum flow rate <10 cm H2O accompanied by an increase in abdominal pressure. In these patients, a follow‐up urodynamic study was performed to assess subsequent long‐term changes in the bladder function.Results:  Of the 110 patients, 10 (9.1%) were observed to exhibit de novo detrusor underactivity during the postoperative urodynamic study. During the voiding phase of the pre‐ and postoperative pressure flow study in these 10 patients, the mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate showed a significant decrease postoperatively from 57.6 to 3.0 cm H2O (P < 0.001), although the mean abdominal pressure at maximum flow rate significantly increased from 23.1 to 102.5 cm H2O (P < 0.001). The follow‐up urodynamic study performed on seven patients at 36 months following surgery revealed no significant change in each urodynamic parameter. De novo detrusor underactivity persisted even over the long term following surgery, and no improvement in bladder function was observed.Conclusions:  Detrusor contractility may be impaired during radical prostatectomy. Postoperative detrusor underactivity following radical prostatectomy seems to be an irreversible phenomenon persisting even over the long term.
When Labour Makes a Difference: Union Mobilization and the 2007 Federal Election in Australia
Authors: Wilson Shaun , Spies‐Butcher Benjamin 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn advanced democracies, unions influence industrial relations through collective action and law. They also maintain influence in politics through their alliances with labour parties. But the weakness of some labour movements, most apparent in falling membership, raises questions about their capacity to shape future industrial relations policy, reach voters and maintain their party alliances. Drawing on literature in industrial relations and political sociology, this article provides a framework for understanding how the Australian union movement successfully campaigned against the conservative Howard government's labour laws called WorkChoices. We characterize the union movement's campaign — Your Rights at Work — as a form of political organizing that responded to both shifting state strategy and the limits of traditional defences constituted by industrial action, legal protection and reliance on the Labor Party. Political mobilizations produce different kinds of impacts. Given that the campaign relied on a sophisticated electoral strategy, we analyse Australian Election Study (AES) 2007 data to assess its impact on voters and on activism. We find that the campaign increased the salience of industrial relations to voters, that union activism jumped in the lead‐up to the election, and that unionized voters voted against the government in record numbers. While this article primarily assesses electoral impact, we offer brief perspective on the movement's impact on policy and politics in the conclusion.
Stadium Architecture and Urban Development from the Perspective of Urban Economics
Authors: AHLFELDT GABRIEL , MAENNIG WOLFGANG 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA range of econometric studies suggest that neither major sports events nor related new stadium construction typically have any appreciable effect on income or employment at municipal scale. However, one important issue has long been ignored in the literature: architectural quality. At present, international stadium architecture is gaining markedly in significance. New stadia are intended to serve as visiting cards for their hometowns and to accelerate urban (re)development. This article discusses the current transition in international stadium architecture and demonstrates important trends, such as the use of iconic elements, by means of selected examples. We provide an overview of the first evidence for the welfare effects of the built environment as well as of expected stadium‐related social costs and benefits. The article also reviews the first empirical evidence for the impact of a stadium at neighborhood scale. Unconventional stadium architecture is recommended as a means of either supporting area rehabilitation or amplifying the image and spending effects produced by professional sports.Résumé Un arsenal d'études économétriques suggère que ni les grands événements sportifs, ni la construction des nouveaux stades pour les accueillir n'ont généralement d'impact sensible sur le revenu ou l'emploi à l'échelon municipal. Toutefois, les publications ont longtemps négligé un aspect important: la qualité architecturale. Aujourd'hui, l'architecture des stades internationaux gagne clairement en prégnance. Les nouveaux stades servent de carte de visite aux villes et à accélérer l'aménagement ou la rénovation urbaine. L'article analyse la transition que connaît actuellement l'architecture des stades internationaux et dégage les tendances importantes, telles que les composantes iconiques, à partir d'une sélection d'exemples. Sont présentées les premières indications concernant les effets de l'environnement construit sur le bien‐être, ainsi que les coûts et avantages sociaux attendus relatifs à un stade. L'article examine aussi les premières données empiriques concernant l'impact d'un stade à l'échelon d'un quartier. Une architecture non conventionnelle est conseillée soit pour accompagner la réhabilitation d'une zone, soit pour amplifier les effets au niveau de l'image et des dépenses que génèrent les sports professionnels.
Pain during topical photodynamic therapy: uncomfortable and unpredictable
Authors: Arits AHMM , Van De Weert MM , Nelemans PJ , Kelleners‐Smeets NWJ 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  The major drawback of the widely used photodynamic therapy (PDT) is treatment‐related pain.Objective  Gain insight into the intensity of and predictive factors for painful burning sensation associated with PDT.Methods  A prospective cohort study was performed at the department of Dermatology in the Maastricht University Medical Centre in Maastricht, a reference centre for dermatological oncology in The Netherlands. A total of 141 lesions in 108 patients were included, treated from November 2008 until June 2009 with PDT for superficial basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease (BD) or actinic keratosis (AK). Painful burning sensation was scored based on an 11‐point pain intensity numeric rating scale (PI‐NRS) (0 = no pain; 10 =  worst possible pain).Results  The percentage of patients with a PI‐NRS score over six was 32.6% and 37.9% during the primary and follow‐up PDT session respectively. A total of 76.6% (95/124) of the patients was consistent in pain intensity score reporting. Factors associated with higher PI‐NRS scores were treatment of AK or BD, tumour localization in the head/neck region, patient’s age over 70, Fitzpatrick skintype I/II, photosensitizer 5‐aminolevulinic acid and use of oral analgesics. After mutual adjustment of these factors, Fitzpatrick skintype remained the only independent predictor of PI‐NRS scores during PDT.Conclusion  It remains difficult to decide which patients should be considered for pain relieving measures. The solution remains to support all patients treated with PDT with pain relieving techniques or to let the support of pain relieving measures depend on the reported pain score for the primary session.
Bird responses to fire severity and time since fire in managed mountain rangelands
Authors: Pons P. , Clavero M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBroom matorrals are subjected to extensive burning in the Pyrenees to improve grazing value, despite being a habitat of conservation interest in Europe. Our aim here is to evaluate the impact of such management practices over the long term, and of fire severity over the short term, on avifauna. Bird‐habitat stations were distributed in broom shrublands from a few months to 51 years after fire, at 1400–2100 m a.s.l. Overall, shrub cover was the main habitat variable affecting the bird community composition. The abundance trends of bird species for half a century after fire were varied, but population recovery seemed slower (especially in the Dartford warbler Sylvia undata) than it had been reported at a lower altitude. Three species of European conservation concern (Alauda arvensis, Lullula arborea and Lanius collurio) showed abundance peaks at 10–19 years after fire. This time interval showed the highest species richness, abundance and conservation value, whereas shrub cover continued to increase afterwards. The bird assemblage tended to impoverish with increasing fire severity in the first year after a fire. Our results emphasize: (1) the slow recovery of bird community of burnt mountain shrublands; (2) the need for long‐term biodiversity assessments to help improve planning of fire intervals at different altitudes; (3) the relevance of reducing fire severity due to its impact on fauna.
Mobilization of metals from uranium mine waste: the role of pyoverdines produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: EDBERG F. , KALINOWSKI B. E. , HOLMSTRÖM S. J. M. , HOLM K. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMicroorganisms produce chelating agents, such as siderophores and other ligands, which allow them to mobilize and scavenge essential elements from the environment when bioavailability is low. To better understand the effects of biologically mediated leaching of metals from mine waste, Pseudomonas fluorescens was cultivated in the presence of processed ore from the former uranium mine in Ranstad, southern Sweden. Light conditions, the concentration of the mineral source and oxygen availability were varied. The presence of ore in the culture flasks enhanced bacterial growth and raised the pH of the culture medium. Increasing the amount of ore or enhancing aeration of the medium further encouraged cell growth and pH rise. Bacteria mobilized Fe, Ni and Co from the ore. Fe‐siderophore complexes were detected and estimated to be present at approximately 9 μm. In the presence of bacteria and light, dissolved Fe and U concentrations were higher compared to dark conditions. Increasing the amount of ore resulted in higher dissolved Ni concentrations but lower dissolved Fe, most likely due to precipitate formation. Data from this study support siderophore production by bacteria that allowed mobilization of essential nutrients from the processed ore. However, the availability of potentially toxic metals like Ni and U may also be enhanced. Microbial‐promoted mobilization could contribute to leaching of toxic metals in current and historic mining areas. This process should be considered during design and implementation of remediation projects where trace metals are of environmental concern.
A Mitochondrial view of aging, reactive oxygen species and metastatic cancer
Authors: Ladiges Warren , Wanagat Jonathan , Preston Bradley , Loeb Lawrence , Rabinovitch Peter 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThis perspective article highlights the growing evidence placing mitochondria and mitochondrial function at the center of cancer as an age‐related disease. The discussion starts from the mitochondrial free radical hypothesis that predicts the involvement of endogenous mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer development and summarizes studies demonstrating the impact of the modulation of ROS levels on cancer development and metastasis. Cancer is fundamentally a complex interplay of cell growth, division, metastasis and death‐ processes connected to mitochondria through energy metabolism. Based on this evidence, therapeutics focused on mitochondrial function and mitochondrial ROS production are an attractive approach to modulating the progression of metastatic cancer and the general improvement of human health span.