bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its soluble receptors sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Safranow K. , Dziedziejko V. , Rzeuski R. , Czyżycka E. , Wojtarowicz A. , Bińczak‐Kuleta A. , Jakubowska K. , Olszewska M. , Ciechanowicz A. , Kornacewicz‐Jach Z. , Machaliński B. , Pawlik A. , Chlubek D. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is implicated in post‐ischemic myocardial dysfunction. Two distinct TNF‐α receptors are shed from cell membranes and circulate in plasma as soluble sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 proteins.The aim of the study was to establish factors associated with plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its receptors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Since adenosine inhibits the expression of TNF‐α, two functional polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes participating in adenosine metabolism, i.e. AMP deaminase‐1 (AMPD1, C34T) and adenosine deaminase (ADA, G22A), were analyzed.Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were measured using ELISA in 167 patients with CAD. Common factors significantly associated with higher TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), older age, higher BNP, lower blood haemoglobin, and the presence of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Higher TNF‐α and sTNFR1 concentrations were also associated with the presence of heart failure (HF), lower ejection and shortening fraction, the presence of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, lower serum HDL cholesterol, and higher uric acid. In multivariate analysis the common independent predictors of higher TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were lower GFR, lower HDL cholesterol, higher BNP, and the presence of asthma or COPD. There were no associations between AMPD1 C34T or ADA G22A genotypes and TNF‐α or its receptors.In conclusion, the concentrations of TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 reflect the impairment of cardiac and renal function in patients with CAD. Metabolic syndrome and diabetes are associated with higher plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its receptors.
Identification of a novel HLA‐Cw*08 variant allele, Cw*0824
Authors: Wang D.‐M. , Zou H.‐Y. , Li Z. 
Published: October 2009

A novel HLA‐C allele, Cw*0824, which was identified from an individual of the Han Chinese, differs from Cw*080101 at codon 222 (GAG > AAG ) in exon 4, which results in an amino acid change Glu222Lys.In recent years, many human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C alleles have been identified. Up to date, 23 different Cw*08 alleles have been identified according to the IMGT/HLA Database release 2.25.2 May 2009 (1). Here, we describe the identification of the novel allele HLA‐Cw*0824 that was found during routine high resolution sequence‐based typing (SBT) of a Chinese stem cell voluntary donor. The HLA alleles of the donor were typed as A*11, 24; B*15, 46; and DRB1*09, 12.
Sexually dimorphic features of vermis morphology in bipolar disorder
Authors: Womer Fay Y , Wang Fei , Chepenik Lara G , Kalmar Jessica H , Spencer Linda , Edmiston Erin , Pittman Brian P , Constable R Todd , Papademetris Xenophon , Blumberg Hilary P 
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  The cerebellar vermis is increasingly implicated in bipolar disorder (BD). In this study, we investigated vermis morphology in BD using a quantitative volumetric analysis.Methods:  Volumes for total vermis and vermis subregions V1 (lobules I–V), V2 (lobules VI–VII), and V3 (lobules VIII–X) were calculated using high‐resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging obtained from 44 individuals with BD (25 females and 19 males) and 43 healthy comparison (HC) subjects (26 females and 17 males). Total vermis volumes were compared between the BD and HC groups. Potential effects of vermis subregions and clinical features were explored.Results:  Total vermis volumes were significantly larger in the BD group than in the HC group (p = 0.02). There was a significant group‐by‐sex interaction (p = 0.02). Total vermis volumes were significantly larger in males with BD than HC males (p = 0.004); vermis volumes did not differ significantly between females with and without BD (p = 0.95). Subregion analyses showed a trend‐level interaction between diagnosis and subregion (p = 0.07) in which subregion V1 volumes were significantly larger in BD participants (p = 0.001), with differences primarily driven by males (p = 0.001).Conclusions:  Our findings demonstrate increases in cerebellar vermis volumes in males with BD. These findings support the presence of structural alterations in the cerebellar vermis in BD and furthermore the influence of sex on such changes.
Performance of the mood disorders questionnaire in a psychiatric outpatient setting
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Galione Janine N , Ruggero Camilo J , Chelminski Iwona , McGlinchey Joseph B , Dalrymple Kristy , Young Diane 
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  The Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) has been the most widely studied screening questionnaire for bipolar disorder, though few studies have examined its performance in a heterogeneous sample of psychiatric outpatients. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we examined the operating characteristics of the MDQ in a large sample of psychiatric outpatients presenting for treatment.Methods:  A total of 534 psychiatric outpatients were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV and asked to complete the MDQ. Missing data on the MDQ reduced the number of patients to 480, 10.4% (n = 52) of whom were diagnosed with bipolar disorder.Results:  Based on the scoring guidelines recommended by the developers of the MDQ, the sensitivity of the scale was only 63.5% for the entire group of bipolar patients. The specificity of the scale was 84.8%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 33.7% and 95.0%, respectively. When impairment was not required to define a case on the MDQ, then sensitivity increased to 75.0%, specificity dropped to 78.5%, positive predictive value was 29.8%, and negative predictive value was 96.3%.Conclusions:  In a large sample of psychiatric outpatients, we found that the MDQ, when scored according to the developers’ recommendations, had inadequate sensitivity as a screening measure. After the threshold to determine MDQ caseness was lowered by not requiring moderate or severe impairment, the sensitivity of the scale increased, but specificity decreased, and positive predictive value remained below 30%. These results raise questions regarding the MDQ’s utility in routine clinical practice.
Complex Dynamics Based on a Quorum: Decision‐Making Process by Cockroaches in a Patchy Environment
Authors: Sempo Grégory , Canonge Stéphane , Detrain Claire , Deneubourg Jean‐Louis 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn the absence of complex communication and a global knowledge of the environment, cockroaches are able to assess the availability of resources and to reach a consensual decision: the group aggregates in a single resting site. We show that the aggregation dynamics and the collective shelter selection of cockroaches are influenced by their social context as, unlike single individuals, groups of cockroaches are more likely to respond to environmental heterogeneities. The decision of individuals to stay under a shelter relies on the modulation of their resting time, according to the perception of two local cues: (1) the shelters luminosity and (2) the number of congeners. This study on the cockroach speciesPeriplaneta americanahighlights a shelter‐selection mechanism based on an amplification process resulting from the interactions between congeners. This mechanism leads to complex spatiotemporal aggregation dynamics characterized by transient bimodality, bifurcation patterns (shelter selection) and the existence of a quorum size in the settlement behaviour of the cockroaches. Finally, we discuss the generic aspect for other gregarious species of the collective decision‐making process demonstrated for cockroaches.
Efficacy of trap and lure types for detection of Agrilus planipennis (Col., Buprestidae) at low density
Authors: Marshall J. M. , Storer A. J. , Fraser I. , Mastro V. C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDevelopment of effective trapping tools for forest pests and evaluating the key components of these tools is necessary to locate early‐stage infestations and develop management responses to them. Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (emerald ash borer) is an introduced pest of ash (Fraxinus spp. L.) in North America. The effectiveness of different trap and lure combinations were tested in areas with low and high density populations of A. planipennis. At low density sites, purple prism traps outperformed green traps and girdled ash trap trees in capture rates (adults per day) and rates of detection of A. planipennis. Also, manuka oil lures, used as a standard lure in a national survey programme, captured higher rates of A. planipennis than did previous standards of girdled ash trap trees. There was no logistic relationship between the detection of A. planipennis on a trap and the diameter of the ash tree from which the trap was suspended, possibly because of the use of artificial lures with these traps. There was also no difference in the mean number of A. lanipennis captured per day between ash species and between vigour rating of ash associated with the traps. However, traps placed in open grown and dominant trees captured more beetles than traps placed in lower canopy class trees. At sites defined as low and high density, there was no difference in the larval density per cm3 of phloem. This suggests that exposure time to A. planipennis has been shorter at those low density sites. By exploiting the trap and tree characteristics that improve A. planipennis capture rates and detection efficacy, there can be future improvement in management of this pest. If detection can occur before infested ash trees exhibit signs and symptoms, there may be a potential for reducing the mortality of ash within stands.
Electron microscopic findings in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Is there a difference between hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis?
Authors: Ahishali Emel , Demir Kadir , Ahishali Bulent , Akyuz Filiz , Pinarbasi Binnur , Poturoglu Sule , Ibrisim Duygu , Gulluoglu Mine , Ozdil Sadakat , Besisik Fatih , Kaymakoglu Sabahattin , Boztas Gungor , Cakaloglu Yilmaz , Mungan Zeynel , Canberk Yurdagul , Okten Atilla 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease has long been accepted as benign; however, recent evidence suggests that the disease may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, although the natural course of the disease is still unclear. This study was designed to comparatively evaluate electron microscopic features of non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods: Quantitative and semi‐quantitative ultrastructural evaluations were performed on liver biopsies from 23 patients, 10 with NAFL and 13 with NASH.Results: No statistically significant difference was noted between NAFL and NASH patients in ultrastructural features of hepatocytes including megamitochondria, intramitochondrial crystalline inclusions, mitochondrial matrix granules, foamy cytoplasmic appearance, electron‐lucent and glycogen‐containing nuclear regions, lipofuscin granules, or an increased frequency of vesicles containing electron‐dense material in peribiliary Golgi zone; however, the mitochondrial diameter was significantly higher in the NASH patients. Intercellular distance and microvilli between hepatocytes, collagen and electron‐dense material accumulation in the space of Disse, electron‐dense material accumulation and microvillus density in bile canaliculi did not differ significantly between the groups.Conclusions: Our data show that, although NAFL and NASH can be distinguished by their distinct light microscopic features, ultrastructural characteristics are similar, which suggests that NAFL may also have the potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis like NASH.
Natural history of gallstone disease: Expectant management or active treatment? Results from a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Festi Davide , Reggiani Maria Letizia Bacchi , Attili Adolfo F. , Loria Paola , Pazzi Paolo , Scaioli Eleonora , Capodicasa Simona , Romano Ferdinando , Roda Enrico , Colecchia Antonio 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The knowledge of natural history is essential for disease management. We evaluated the natural history (e.g. frequency and characteristics of symptoms and clinical outcome) of gallstones (GS) in a population‐based cohort study.Methods:  A total of 11 229 subjects (6610 men, 4619 women, age‐range: 29–69 years, mean age: 48 years) were studied. At ultrasonography, GS were present in 856 subjects (338 men, 455 women) (7.1%). GS were followed by means of a questionnaire inquiring about the characteristics of specific biliary symptoms.Results:  At enrolment, 580 (73.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 94 (11.8%) had mild symptoms and 119 (15.1%) had severe symptoms. GS patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.7 years; 63 subjects (7.3%) were lost to follow up. At the end of the follow up, of the asymptomatic subjects, 453 (78.1%) remained asymptomatic; 61 (10.5%) developed mild symptoms and 66 (11.4%) developed severe symptoms. In subjects with mild symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 55 (58.5%), became severe in 23 (24.5%), remained stable in 16 (17%); in subjects with severe symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 62 (52.1%), became mild in 20 (16.8%) and remained stable in 37 (31.1%). A total of 189 cholecystectomies were performed: 41.3% on asymptomatic patients, 17.4% on patients with mild symptoms and 41.3% on patients with severe symptoms.Conclusions:  This study indicates that: (i) asymptomatic and symptomatic GS patients have a benign natural history; (ii) the majority of GS patients with severe or mild symptoms will no longer experience biliary pain; and (iii) a significant proportion of cholecystectomies are performed in asymptomatic patients. Expectant management still represents a valid therapeutic approach in the majority of patients.
Early identification of achieving a sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients without a rapid virological response
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Yang Jeng‐Fu , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chiu Chang‐Fu , Hou Nai‐Jen , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Hsieh Ming‐Yuh , Wang Liang‐Yen , Chang Wen‐Yu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients without a rapid virological response (RVR) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) with peginterferon‐α‐2a/ribavirin. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with SVR in non‐RVR patients.Methods:  Baseline and on‐treatment factors were used to explore the prognostic factors for SVR in 113 HCV genotype‐1 (HCV‐1) and 20 HCV‐2 non‐RVR patients in two randomized trials.Results:  The SVR rate in HCV‐1 patients with a complete early virological response (cEVR) and partial early virological response was 91.9% versus 45% (P < 0.001) and 21.4% versus 10% (P = 0.62), respectively, after 48 and 24 weeks of treatment. The SVR rate in HCV‐2 patients with a cEVR was 90.9% versus 57.1% (P = 0.25), respectively, after 24 and 16 weeks of treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that cEVR and standard regimen were independently associated with SVR. Viral kinetic study revealed that HCV viral loads < 10 000 IU/mL at week 4 were the best predictor of cEVR for both HCV‐1 and HCV‐2 non‐RVR patients with the accuracy of 81% and 95%, respectively, and also of SVR with the accuracy of 78% and 92%, respectively, in patients receiving standard of care. The most important independent predictors for cEVR were HCV viral loads < 104 IU/mL at week 4, followed by increased ribavirin dose within 12 weeks of treatment.Conclusions:  Achieving a cEVR with standard of care is the most important predictor of SVR in non‐RVR patients. Week 4 viral loads < 10 000 IU/mL could accurately predict cEVR early and following SVR in non‐SVR patients.
Evidence‐based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach
Authors: Gibson Peter R , Shepherd Susan J 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Functional gastrointestinal symptoms are common and their management is often a difficult clinical problem. The link between food intake and symptom induction is recognized. This review aims to describe the evidence base for restricting rapidly fermentable, short‐chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) in controlling such symptoms.Methods:  The nature of FODMAPs, their mode of action in symptom induction, results of clinical trials and the implementation of the diet are described.Results:  FODMAPs are widespread in the diet and comprise a monosaccharide (fructose), a disaccharide (lactose), oligosaccharides (fructans and galactans), and polyols. Their ingestion increases delivery of readily fermentable substrate and water to the distal small intestine and proximal colon, which are likely to induce luminal distension and induction of functional gut symptoms. The restriction of their intake globally (as opposed to individually) reduces functional gut symptoms, an effect that is durable and can be reversed by their reintroduction into the diet (as shown by a randomized placebo‐controlled trial). The diet has a high compliance rate. However it requires expert delivery by a dietitian trained in the diet. Breath hydrogen tests are useful to identify individuals who can completely absorb a load of fructose and lactose so that dietary restriction can be less stringent.Conclusions:  The low FODMAP diet provides an effective approach to the management of patients with functional gut symptoms. The evidence base is now sufficiently strong to recommend its widespread application.
Prophylactic indomethacin in extremely premature infants between 23 and 24 weeks gestation
Authors: Yoshimoto Seiji , Sakai Hitomi , Ueda Masaaki , Yoshikata Mayumi , Mizobuchi Masami , Nakao Hideto 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  In extremely premature infants, the presence of a left‐to‐right shunt through a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) increases the risks of pulmonary hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal failure, and chronic lung disease. Conservative management induces spontaneous ductus closure in <20% of extremely premature infants (infants born at <25 weeks of gestation). The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of prophylactic indomethacin (INDO) administration for PDA closure in extremely premature infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation.Methods:  A historical case–control study of 30 infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation was carried out. In the prophylactic INDO group, a 12 h‐long, 0.01 mg/kg per h dose of INDO was administered within 6 h of life. During the historical control period, only infants with symptomatic PDA were treated with INDO for 1 h. The incidence of symptomatic PDA, mortality and early neonatal morbidity was compared between the two groups on Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney rank–sum test.Results:  None of the infants in the prophylactic INDO group had symptomatic PDA, while 11 of the 15 infants in the control group showed symptomatic PDA (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the mortality rates and the early neonatal morbidities in the two groups.Conclusions:  Prophylactic INDO administration to extremely premature infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation decreased the incidence of symptomatic PDA without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.
Oncolytic virus therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Fukuhara Hiroshi , Homma Yukio , Todo Tomoki 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe use of replication‐competent viruses that can selectively replicate in and destroy neoplastic cells is an attractive strategy for treating cancer. Various oncolytic viruses have been taken to clinical trials since a recombinant virus was first applied to cancer patients a decade ago. The concept of the therapy is simple: infectious virus kills the host cancer cells in the course of viral replication. It is important, however, that the virus does not harm the surrounding normal tissue. Oncolytic viruses can be classified largely into two groups: DNA viruses genetically engineered to achieve cancer specificity (e.g. adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and vaccinia) and RNA viruses of which human is not the natural host (e.g. Newcastle disease virus and reovirus). Prostate cancer has always been one of the major targets of oncolytic virus therapy development. The result of six clinical trials for prostate cancer has been published and several trials are now going on. Forty‐eight of 83 (58%) patients evaluated in the phase I studies demonstrated a >25% decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen level without evidence of severe toxicities. The result shows the oncolytic virus therapy is promising toward clinical application. Here, we review the recent advances in the field and summarize the results from clinical trials.
Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Meurs‐Szojda M. M. , Mijatovic V. , Felt‐Bersma R. J. F. , Hompes P. G. A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to evaluate how many patients with endometriosis have concomitant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or constipation according to the Rome III criteria. Furthermore, the value of an additional gastroenterological consultation with therapeutic advice was evaluated.Method  Patients with proven endometriosis were included in a prospective, single‐centre study. A questionnaire was undertaken regarding IBS and chronic constipation. Patients with symptoms consistent with the Rome III criteria for IBS were referred to our gastroenterological outpatient clinic.Results  In total 101 patients were included. Endometriosis was diagnosed surgically in 97% and visually in the vagina in 3%. Fifteen per cent of the patients with endometriosis also had IBS and 14% of the patients with endometriosis had functional constipation without IBS. Of the 22 patients finally presenting to the gastroenterologist, five had a significant stenotic rectosigmoid lesion and were treated surgically. The remaining 17 patients were treated conservatively. Defecation symptoms improved in 86% and pain was reduced in 64%.Conclusion  In patients with endometriosis, 29% also had IBS or constipation. Referral to a gastroenterologist resulted in improvement of defaecation in 86%, and 64% reported a reduction in the degree of pain.