bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of polymorphisms of glutamate‐cystein ligase and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genes in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Oliveira Claudia Pinto Marques Souza , Stefano José Tadeu , Cavaleiro Ana Mercedes , Zanella Fortes Maria Angela Henriques , Vieira Suzana Maria , Rodrigues Lima Vicência Mara , Santos Telma Eugenio , Santos Virginia Nascimento , De Azevedo Salgado Ana Lucia Farias , Parise Édson Roberto , Ferreira Alves Venâncio Avancini , Carrilho Flair José , Corrêa‐Giannella Maria Lucia 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although the metabolic risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression have been recognized, the role of genetic susceptibility remains a field to be explored. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of two polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with biopsy‐proven simple steatosis or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): −493 G/T in the MTP gene, which codes the protein responsible for transferring triglycerides to nascent apolipoprotein B, and −129 C/T in the GCLC gene, which codes the catalytic subunit of glutamate‐cystein ligase in the formation of glutathione.Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐one biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients (n = 45, simple steatosis; n = 86, NASH) and 141 unrelated healthy volunteers were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells, and the −129 C/T polymorphism of the GCLC gene was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The −493 G/T polymorphism of the MTP gene was determined by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products.Results:  The presence of at least one T allele in the −129 C/T polymorphism of the GCLC gene was independently associated with NASH (odds ratio 12.14, 95% confidence interval 2.01–73.35; P = 0.007), whereas, the presence of at least one G allele in the −493 G/T polymorphism of the MTP gene differed slightly between biopsy‐proven NASH and simple steatosis.Conclusion:  This difference clearly warrants further investigation in larger samples. These two polymorphisms could represent an additional factor for consideration in evaluating the risk of NAFLD progression. Further studies involving a larger population are necessary to confirm this notion.
Ursodeoxycholic acid and artesunate in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria patients with jaundice
Authors: Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Silachamroon Udomsak , Krudsood Srivicha , Huntrup Arun , Suwannakudt Plengsakoon , Vannaphan Suparp , Wilairatana Polrat 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Plasmodium falciparum (PF) infection can lead to severe complications. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is increasingly used for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. The present study aims to determine the effects of combined UDCA and artesunate compared to placebo and artesunate on the improvement of liver tests in severe PF jaundiced patients.Methods:  All severe PF jaundiced patients, aged ≥ 15 years and diagnosed as having severe malaria according to WHO 2000 criteria, were enrolled. Patients with evidence of biliary obstruction, other cholestatic liver diseases and those who were pregnant were excluded. Patients were randomized to receive either oral UDCA or placebo for 2 weeks in additional to artesunate. All patients were admitted for at least 14 days to monitor the result of the treatment.Results:  Seventy‐four severe PF malaria patients with jaundice were enrolled. Both groups had similar demographic and laboratory tests, with the exception being more males in the UDCA group than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). The median of percentage change of total bilirubin and aminotransferase levels at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed no difference between the two groups. Only the median of percentage change of alkaline phosphatase at the end of week one compared with the baseline values showed less increment in the UDCA group than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). No serious adverse events were seen during the 4 weeks of follow up.Conclusions:  In severe PF malaria patients with jaundice, combined therapy with UDCA and artesunate is safe, but does not significantly improve liver tests compared to placebo and artesunate.
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene polymorphism association with hepatocellular carcinoma in Italian patients
Authors: Segat Ludovica , Milanese Michele , Pirulli Doroti , Trevisiol Chiara , Lupo Francesco , Salizzoni Mauro , Amoroso Antonio , Crovella Sergio 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial disease driven by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Infection, inflammation and the immune response against hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus have been shown to play an important role in increasing cancer risk and promoting tumor development. In order to investigate the genetic component influencing HCC development, we analyzed 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) spanning 34 different genes in 230 Italian patients affected by HCC and 230 controls.Methods:  Genes were selected on the basis of their known biological function and their possible involvement in the progression or in the susceptibility to HCC was considered. SNP genotyping was performed using allelic‐specific fluorescent probes.Results:  For most SNP, no differences were identified between HCC patients and controls, with the exception of rs2304052, localized on the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene, which was significantly associated to the disease. The C allele was significantly more frequent in the HCC patients than in the healthy controls (23% vs 10%, corrected P < 0.001), as well as the CC genotype (13% vs 1%, corrected P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Since the presence of the rs2304052 C allele is associated with an increased risk (odds ratio: 2.76) of developing hepatocarcinoma, our results allowed us to identify a SNP in the SPARC gene correlating to HCC susceptibility.
Diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage with capsule endoscopy in combination with multiple‐detector computed tomography
Authors: Zhang Bing‐Ling , Jiang Ling‐Ling , Chen Chun‐Xiao , Zhong Bai‐Shu , Li You‐Ming 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  To demonstrate the clinical efficacy of combination capsule endoscopy (CE) and multiple‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) diagnostic imaging in the identification of gastrointestinal hemorrhages.Methods:  In the present study, 123 patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhages of obscure origin (GHOO) were examined with CE in combination with MDCT. The results were compared with findings of surgical pathology.Results:  Of the 123 patients, 57.72% (71/123) of the patients exhibited positive CE findings compared with 30.08% (37/123) on MDCT alone (P < 0.01). When used in combination, 65.85% (81/123) of patients scored positively. The detection rate due to the combination of diagnostic imaging was significantly higher than that of MDCT alone (P < 0.01), but was not significantly higher than that of CE alone (P > 0.05). Integrating the two diagnostic platforms improved the diagnosis of stromal tumors, hemangioma, Crohn's disease, vascular anomaly, Meckel's diverticulum, and ancylostomiasis. There was no significant difference in the positive detection rate between CE and MDCT when confirmed by surgical pathology.Conclusion:  The contribution of CE is critical in the diagnosis of GHOO, given the fact that there is a significant difference in the detection rate between CE and MDCT, but there is no significant difference in the rate between CE plus MDCT and CE alone.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with renal vein and/or inferior vena cava anomalies: Video presentation
Authors: Habuchi Tomonori , Narita Shintaro , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Kumazawa Teruaki , Horikawa Yohei , Sato Shigeru 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a standard surgery for the treatment of many types of renal tumor, renal pelvic tumor, and benign disease. Renal vein and inferior vena cava anomalies are not uncommon, having been detected at an incidence of 2–17%. With the increasing number of patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy, surgeons have more opportunities to encounter major anomalies of the renal vein and inferior vena cava. This video presents images of the management of the renal pedicle in laparoscopic nephrectomy in cases where there were anomalies of the renal vein and inferior vena cava.Patient 1 had left renal tumor with the left inferior vena cava, patient 2 had left ureteral tumor with double inferior vena cava, patient 3 had left renal tumor with double inferior vena cava and a circumaortic renal vein, patient 4 had left renal tumor with a retro‐aortic renal vein, and patient 5 had left renal tumor with a circumaortic renal vein. Multiple renal arteries were present in patients 3, 4, and 5.In laparoscopic nephrectomy complicated by anomalies of the renal vein and inferior vena cava, (i) surgical staff should be alert for the potential presence of aberrant veins and multiple renal arteries that may not be visualized in preoperative imaging. (ii) An anterior transperitoneal approach is well‐suited in the understanding of positional relationships of vessels and anatomical landmarks in cases of vascular anomalies. (iii) With recent advances in diagnostic imaging modalities, such as multislice computed tomography (CT) and 3‐D CT, it has become easier to identify the major arterial and venous anomalies. However, intraoperative observation and assessment remain important and mandatory in the management of smaller anomalous vessels accompanied by major anomalies.
Impact of troponin 1 on long‐term mortality after emergency orthopaedic surgery in older patients
Authors: Chong C. , Lam Q. , Ryan J. , Sinnappu R. , Lim W. K. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the association between post‐operative troponin rises and longer term (2‐year) mortality after emergency orthopaedic surgery in patients over 60 years of age.Methods:  One hundred and two patients were recruited in 2006 and had inpatient troponin 1 measurements. These patients were followed up by a telephone call annually for complications.Results:  At 2 years, 29.4% (30/102) of patients had died. Twenty‐five patients (25/54 or 49.3%) with a troponin rise were dead at 2 years compared with five patients without a troponin rise (5/48 or 10.4%), which was significantly different P < 0.0001. Patients with a higher troponin level (>0.1 µg/L) were more likely to be dead at 2 years compared with those with a lower level of troponin. However, when adjusted for other comorbidities the association between troponin elevation and death at 2 years did not persist. Using Cox regression multivariate analysis, only one factor, sustaining an in‐hospital cardiac event odds ratio 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.8–10.3, P = 0.001), was associated with 2 years all‐cause mortality . Furthermore, patients who sustained a symptomatic troponin rise (P < 0.0001) or asymptomatic troponin rise (P = 0.004) were more likely to have died at 2 years compared with those with no troponin rise. Three factors were significantly associated with a cardiac event during the second year: (i) post‐operative troponin rise (P = 0.05); (ii) pre‐morbid atrial fibrillation (P = 0.04); and (iii) post‐operative renal failure (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Elevated post‐operative troponin levels are predictive of 1‐year but not 2‐year mortality in older patients undergoing emergency orthopaedic surgery.
Daily rhythms and sex differences in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, VIPR2 receptor and arginine vasopressin mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of a diurnal rodent, Arvicanthis niloticus
Authors: Mahoney M. M. , Ramanathan C. , Hagenauer M. H. , Thompson R. C. , Smale L. , Lee T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDiurnal and nocturnal animals differ with respect to the time of day at which the ovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone occurs. In some species this is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the primary circadian clock, via cells that contain vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and vasopressin (AVP). Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that chronotype differences in the timing of the luteinizing hormone surge are associated with rhythms in expression of the genes that encode these neuropeptides. Diurnal grass rats (Arvicanthis niloticus) were housed in a 12/12‐h light–dark cycle and killed at one of six times of day (Zeitgeber time 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21; ZT 0 = lights‐on). In‐situ hybridization was used to compare levels of vip, avp and VIP receptor mRNA (vipr2) in the SCN of intact females, ovariectomized females, ovariectomized females given estradiol and intact males. We found a sex difference in vip rhythms with a peak occurring at ZT 13 in males and ZT 5 in intact females. In all groups avp mRNA rhythms peaked during the day, from ZT 5 to ZT 9, and had a trough in the dark at ZT 21. There was a modest rhythm and sex difference in the pattern of vipr2. Most importantly, the patterns of each of these SCN rhythms relative to the light–dark cycle resembled those seen in nocturnal rodents. Chronotype differences in timing of neuroendocrine events associated with ovulation are thus likely to be generated downstream of the SCN.
Fasting biases brain reward systems towards high‐calorie foods
Authors: Goldstone Anthony P. , Prechtl de Hernandez Christina G. , Beaver John D. , Muhammed Kinan , Croese Charlotte , Bell Gabriel , Durighel Giuliana , Hughes Emer , Waldman Adam D. , Frost Gary , Bell Jimmy D. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractNutritional state (e.g. fasted vs. fed) and different food stimuli (e.g. high‐calorie vs. low‐calorie, or appetizing vs. bland foods) are both recognized to change activity in brain reward systems. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we have studied the interaction between nutritional state and different food stimuli on brain food reward systems. We examined how blood oxygen level‐dependent activity within a priori regions of interest varied while viewing pictures of high‐calorie and low‐calorie foods. Pictures of non‐food household objects were included as control stimuli. During scanning, subjects rated the appeal of each picture. Twenty non‐obese healthy adults [body mass index 22.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2 (mean ± SEM), age range 19–35 years, 10 male] were scanned on two separate mornings between 11:00 and 12:00 h, once after eating a filling breakfast (‘fed’: 1.6 ± 0.1 h since breakfast), and once after an overnight fast but skipping breakfast (‘fasted’: 15.9 ± 0.3 h since supper) in a randomized cross‐over design. Fasting selectively increased activation to pictures of high‐calorie over low‐calorie foods in the ventral striatum, amygdala, anterior insula, and medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Furthermore, fasting enhanced the subjective appeal of high‐calorie more than low‐calorie foods, and the change in appeal bias towards high‐calorie foods was positively correlated with medial and lateral OFC activation. These results demonstrate an interaction between homeostatic and hedonic aspects of feeding behaviour, with fasting biasing brain reward systems towards high‐calorie foods.
Beneficial effects of K‐ATP channel openers in diabetes: an update on mechanisms and clinical experiences
Authors: Grill V. , Radtke M. , Qvigstad E. , Kollind M. , Björklund A. 
Published: October 2009

Stresses associated with the diabetic state participate in the demise of β‐cells and therapies that eliminate or reduce such stresses are much needed. K‐ATP channel openers, of which diazoxide is the most studied, are potentially useful because experimental studies show that they can counteract chronic over‐stimulation of β‐cells and protect against toxic conditions, including relative hypoxia. Several mechanisms may underlie the beneficial effects of diazoxide; these may include both indirect (counteracting over‐stimulation) and direct mitochondrial effects.Side effects of diazoxide have limited its use in human trials. We have tested lower doses than previously of diazoxide and thereby largely eliminated side effects. In this setting, we demonstrate positive effects on β‐cell function in type 2 diabetic patients who were simultaneously treated with bedtime insulin. However, such effects were absent in insulin‐naïve patients. In newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients, a 6‐month intervention with diazoxide failed to result in better preservation of β‐cell function. K‐ATP channel openers have a potential to improve β‐cell function in subgroups of type 2 diabetes patients. Analogues of diazoxide with more potency in relation to side effects would heighten the possibilities for K‐ATP channel openers to be of therapeutic use in type 1 diabetes.
MEY = MSY
Authors: Christensen Villy 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIt has been generally accepted for more than half a century that the fishing sector stood to gain from managing fisheries at the effort level producing maximum economic yield (MEY) rather than at the higher effort level producing maximum sustainable yield (MSY). However, the acceptance is built on evaluating only the revenue and cost structure for the fishing fleet, not for the overall fishing sector including processing, distribution and marketing of fish products. Considering these links of the fish value chain moves the MEY‐level closer to, but slightly below the MSY‐level. For society as a whole, this means that MSY is the more appropriate target reference level.
INCENSE AND INSENSIBILITY: AUSTIN ON THE ‘NON‐SERIOUSNESS’ OF POETRY
Authors: De Gaynesford Maximilian 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWhat is at stake when J. L. Austin calls poetry ‘non‐serious’, and sidelines it in his speech act theory? (I). Standard explanations polarize sharply along party lines: poets (e.g. Geoffrey Hill) and critics (e.g. Christopher Ricks) are incensed, while philosophers (e.g. P. F. Strawson; John Searle) deny cause (II). Neither line is consistent with Austin's remarks, whose allusions to Plato, Aristotle and Frege are insufficiently noted (III). What Austin thinks is at stake is confusion, which he corrects apparently to the advantage of poets (IV). But what is actually at stake is the possibility of commitment and poetic integrity. We should reject what Austin offers (V).1
PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
Authors: Warner Martin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPlato's rhetorical gesture invoking a ‘quarrel’ between philosophy and poetry points to a deep problem in our conception of rational discourse, often obscured or displaced in the history of philosophy's relations with imaginative literature, especially with respect to analytic philosophy in the first half of the twentieth century. Recent developments have helped focus attention on the overlap between philosophy and literature, which the contemporary retreat from philosophy's ‘narrative turn’ does little to undermine. Further work in the philosophy of language, the logic of the imagination, and the relations between dialectic and rhetoric promise to throw light on that ancient problem.
Preventing Homelessness due to Domestic Violence: Providing a Safe Space or Closing the Door to New Possibilities?
Authors: Netto Gina , Pawson Hal , Sharp Cathy 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDomestic violence has been recognized as a major contributory factor to homelessness in the UK and elsewhere, with women more likely to be affected. In the UK and other countries undergoing welfare reform, moves toward ‘active citizenship’ increase the complexity of the relationship between states and citizens and open up new strategies for both. However, analysts have noted some strategies can create new forms of inequality, including gender‐based ones. This article considers the impact of prevention‐centred homelessness policy responses to domestic violence, with specific reference to the ‘Sanctuary’ model. Sanctuary schemes support women facing homelessness due to domestic violence to remain in their current residence, protected against attack from outside the home. Drawing on analysis of the literature and empirical work, we compare the experiences of women who have used traditional forms of support and Sanctuary services. We argue that while the model has the potential to provide greater autonomy to some women in these circumstances, it is not appropriate for all. Increased emphasis on Sanctuary schemes could make it more difficult for women who might prefer to move. We conclude that more attention needs to be paid to addressing the origin of women's homelessness due to domestic violence.
Chronic and acute stress, gender, and serotonin transporter gene–environment interactions predicting depression symptoms in youth
Authors: Hammen Constance , Brennan Patricia A. , Keenan‐Miller Danielle , Hazel Nicholas A. , Najman Jake M. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  Many recent studies of serotonin transporter gene by environment effects predicting depression have used stress assessments with undefined or poor psychometric methods, possibly contributing to wide variation in findings. The present study attempted to distinguish between effects of acute and chronic stress to predict depressive symptoms at age 20 among 346 youth varying in polymorphisms of the 5HTT gene who had been assessed at ages 15 and 20.Methods:  Interview measures assessed major acute life events between 15 and 19, and multiple interviews and questionnaires with youths and their parents at youth age 15 provided an index of chronic family stress. Lg alleles were reclassified as S.Results:  Chronic family stress at age 15 predicted higher depression scores at 20 among those with one or two S alleles, and the effects of genetic moderation were significant only for females. Gene–environment interactions with acute stress were nonsignificant.Conclusions:  Careful measurement and separation of the effects of chronic and acute stress, and gender, are encouraged in the study of mechanisms of the stress–depression association.
Social functioning and communication in children with cerebral palsy: association with disease characteristics and personal and environmental factors
Authors: VOORMAN JEANINE M , DALLMEIJER ANNET J , VAN ECK MIRJAM , SCHUENGEL CARLO , BECHER JULES G 
Published: October 2009

Aim  The objective of this longitudinal study was to describe the course of social functioning and communication in children with cerebral palsy (CP) over a 3‐year period, its difference with the normative course, and its relationship with disease characteristics and personal and environmental factors.Method  Participants in this study were 110 children with CP (70 males, 40 females) with a mean age of 11 years and 3 months (SD 1y 8mo). Social functioning and communication were measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Comparisons were made with normative data; data were analysed with generalized estimating equations. According to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 50 of the 110 children were categorized as GMFCS level I, 16 as level II, 13 as level III, 13 as level IV, and 18 as level V.Results  The course of social functioning over a 3‐year period showed an increase in restrictions in children with CP (p<0.001). Restrictions in communication increased more in children with the most severe forms of CP (p<0.001). In addition to disease characteristics (GMFCS category, presence of epilepsy, and speech problems), personal factors (externalizing behaviour problems) and environmental factors (having no siblings, low parental level of education, and parental stress) were associated with greater restrictions in social functioning and communication.Interpretation  The results indicate that it is important to focus not only on the medical treatment of children with CP, but also on their behavioural problems and social circumstances, and to support the parents so that social functioning and communication in these children may be improved.