bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome in China: a population‐based endoscopy study of prevalence and impact
Authors: Zhao Y. , Zou D. , Wang R. , Ma X. , Yan X. , Man X. , Gao L. , Fang J. , Yan H. , Kang X. , Yin P. , Hao Y. , Li Q. , Dent J. , Sung J. , Halling K. , Wernersson B. , Johansson S. , He J. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 562–572SummaryBackground  Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in Western populations.Aim  To determine the epidemiology of dyspepsia and IBS in China.Methods  A representative sample of 18 000 adults from five regions of China were asked to complete the modified Rome II questionnaire; 20% were asked to complete the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Participants from Shanghai were invited to provide blood samples and undergo oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results  The survey was completed by 16 091 individuals (response rate: 89.4%). Overall, 387 participants (2.4%) had dyspepsia and 735 (4.6%) had IBS. All SF‐36 dimension scores were at least five points lower in individuals with than without dyspepsia or IBS (P ≤ 0.001). In Shanghai, 1030 (32.7%) of the 3153 respondents agreed to endoscopy; neither dyspepsia nor IBS was found to be associated with reflux oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection.Conclusions  Prevalence estimates for dyspepsia and IBS in China are lower than in Western populations. In China, dyspepsia or IBS symptoms are generally not associated with underlying organic disease.
Transferrin receptor‐1 gene polymorphisms are associated with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fernández‐Real José Manuel , Mercader Josep Maria , Ortega Francisco José , Moreno‐Navarrete Jose Maria , López‐Romero Pedro , Ricart Wifredo 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 600–607AbstractBackground  Iron is involved in oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Transferrin receptor (TFRC) constitutes the major receptor by which most cells take up iron. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TFRC gene polymorphisms are associated with T2D.Materials and methods  We evaluated TFRC gene polymorphism (rs3817672, 210AG, S142G) in a sample of T2D patients and nondiabetic controls (n = 722), and 39 SNPs within the TFRC genomic region analysed by the Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) (1921 T2D subjects and 3000 controls). In a subset of subjects, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were also studied.Results  The frequency of the G allele at the position 210 of the TFRC gene was significantly higher in T2D patients. Both GG and GA genotypes had a 69% (P < 0·01) greater risk of developing T2D estimated under a dominant model. The increased prevalence of the G allele run in parallel to increased sex‐adjusted log‐serum ferritin and slightly increased soluble transferrin receptor among patients with T2D. Furthermore, post‐load glucose and insulin sensitivity were significantly associated with circulating soluble transferrin receptor, and insulin sensitivity was significantly associated with serum ferritin among G allele carriers, (r = −0·33, P = 0·001) but not in AA homozygotes. Sixteen other TFRC SNPs were also associated to T2D according to the Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium data.Conclusion  TFRC gene variants are associated with T2D.
Impaired cardiovascular response to standing in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Jones David E. J. , Taylor Roy , Blamire Andrew M. , Newton Julia L. 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 608–615AbstractBackground  Impaired skeletal muscle metabolism is recognized in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study examined the relationship between skeletal and cardiac muscle function and symptoms on standing in CFS using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and impedance cardiography.Materials and methods  Phosphocreatine (PCr)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio by cardiac MRS, PCr/ADP and proton efflux by muscle MRS were performed in 12 CFS (Fukuda) and 8 controls. Head up tilt (HUT) and cardiac contractility (left ventricular work index, LVWI) (n = 64 CFS and matched controls) were found. Fatigue impact was accessed by Fatigue Impact Scale and orthostatic symptoms by Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS).Results  Cardiac PCr/ATP correlated with measures of muscle bioenergetic function (half‐time PCr recovery [κ = −0·71, P = 0·005] and half‐time ADP recovery [κ = −0·60, P = 0·02]) suggesting that the muscle and cardiac bioenergetic function correlate in CFS. Four of 12 (33·3%) CFS patients had PCr/ATP values consistent with significant cardiac impairment. Those with impaired cardiac energy metabolism had significantly reduced maximal and initial proton efflux rates (P < 0·05). Cardiac PCr/ATP ratio correlated with myocardial contractility (LVWI) in response to standing (P = 0·03). On HUT, LVWI on standing was significantly higher in CFS (P = 0·05) with symptoms on standing (OGS) occurring in 61/64 (95%) (vs. 25/64 [39%] controls; P < 0·0001). OGS scores were significantly higher in those with abnormal LVWI responses to standing (P = 0·04), with the LVWI on standing correlating with OGS scores (r2 = 0·1; P = 0·03). HUT was positive in 19 (32%).Conclusions  Skeletal muscle and cardiac bioenergetic abnormalities associate in CFS. Cardiac bioenergetic metabolism associates with increase in cardiac contractility on standing. Haemodynamic assessment in CFS is well tolerated and safe with a high diagnostic yield comparable with unexplained syncope.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Duwensee Kristina , Breitling Lutz Philipp , Tancevski Ivan , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Demetz Egon , Patsch Josef R. , Ritsch Andreas , Eller Philipp , Brenner Hermann 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 616–622AbstractBackground  The impact of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in the development of atherosclerosis is a matter for ongoing debate. In this study, we analyse associations of CETP with cardiovascular endpoints in a cohort of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).Design  KAROLA is a prospective observational study of patients with CAD and a median follow‐up of 8 years (n = 1132). CETP levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results  Cholesteryl ester transfer protein levels were lower in men (P = 0·0016), positively correlated to low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inversely correlated to triglyceride levels (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·011 respectively). There was no significant difference in mortality between patients in different CETP quartiles; the hazard ratio of lowest vs. highest quartile was 1·33 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·77–2·30) for mortality and 1·24 (95% CI: 0·75–2·03) for secondary events. In post hoc analyses, comparing nondiabetic subjects with CETP below vs. above median, the adjusted hazard ratio for death in patients with low CETP levels was 1·84 (95% CI: 1·10–3·09).Conclusion  Although statistically significant associations were found only in post hoc analyses, the effect sizes in this study were in line with previous findings in the Framingham and LURIC population. In combination, the emerging evidence challenges the concept of pharmacological CETP inhibition.
Role of neurocrine somatostatin on sphincter of Oddi contractility and intestinal ischemia reperfusion‐induced acute pancreatitis in macaques
Authors: Chen P. , Hu B. , Tan Q. , Liu L. , Li D. , Jiang C. , Wu H. , Li J. , Tang C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground  Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (IIR) is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study investigates the impact of neurocrine somatostatin (SST) on the contraction of sphincter of Oddi (SO) during IIR.Methods  Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion model in macaques was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreatitis was confirmed by pancreatic histology and serum levels of amylase and lipase. SST and its receptors (SSTRs) in SO were visualized by immunohistochemistry. Effects of SST on the contraction of the isolated SO were recorded in vitro.Key Results  Inflammatory scores of the pancreas and serum levels of amylase or lipase in the macaques that underwent IIR were significantly higher than those in the control group. The frequency and amplitude of phasic contraction of the circular muscle in SO was increased by SST in a concentration‐dependent manner. Compared with the control group, SST innervation or SSTR2 expression in SO of macaques treated with IIR was increased 5.2 fold or 5.6 fold respectively. Prophylactic infusion of SST before IIR significantly reduced SST immunoreactive fibers in SO as compared to those in the IIR group and remarkably alleviated the pathophysiologic changes due to IIR.Conclusions & Inferences  Increased SST innervation in SO during the early phase of IIR associated with the contraction of circular muscle of SO, which might be one of the promoting factors associated with the development of SAP. Prevention of IIR or intervention of SO contraction after occurrence of acute pancreatitis might be beneficial for preventing SAP.
Ex vivo assessment of serum cytokines in patients with cystic echinococcosis of the liver
Authors: TAMAROZZI F. , MERONI V. , GENCO F. , PICCOLI L. , TINELLI C. , FILICE C. , BRUNETTI E. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryTo investigate the usefulness of serum cytokine levels in the diagnosis of active cystic echinococcosis, we evaluated the cytokine profile of patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in different cyst stages, CE 1‐2 (active), CE3a‐3b (transitional) and CE4‐5 (inactive). Ex vivo assessment of Th1 (IL12, TNFα) and Th2 (IL4, IL10) cytokines in sera was carried out using ELISA. Percentages of positive samples and median levels of IL12, TNFα and IL10 did not differ significantly between groups. However, patients with CE3b cysts, a stage clinically unresponsive to treatments, had statistically significantly higher median levels of IL4 and percentage of positive samples for IL4. We conclude that the analysis of serum cytokine dosage, at least in its present form, is not useful as a marker of cyst activity. However, our results support recent findings suggesting the chronic activity of CE3b cysts and suggest that this might be partly because of a skewed Th2 response.
The small heat shock protein 20 RSI2 interacts with and is required for stability and function of tomato resistance protein I‐2
Authors: Van Ooijen Gerben , Lukasik Ewa , Van Den Burg Harrold A. , Vossen Jack H. , Cornelissen Ben J. C. , Takken Frank L. W. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryRace‐specific disease resistance in plants depends on the presence of resistance (R) genes. Most R genes encode NB‐ARC‐LRR proteins that carry a C‐terminal leucine‐rich repeat (LRR). Of the few proteins found to interact with the LRR domain, most have proposed (co)chaperone activity. Here, we report the identification of RSI2 (Required for Stability of I‐2) as a protein that interacts with the LRR domain of the tomato R protein I‐2. RSI2 belongs to the family of small heat shock proteins (sHSPs or HSP20s). HSP20s are ATP‐independent chaperones that form oligomeric complexes with client proteins to prevent unfolding and subsequent aggregation. Silencing of RSI2‐related HSP20s in Nicotiana benthamiana compromised the hypersensitive response that is normally induced by auto‐active variants of I‐2 and Mi‐1, a second tomato R protein. As many HSP20s have chaperone properties, the involvement of RSI2 and other R protein (co)chaperones in I‐2 and Mi‐1 protein stability was examined. RSI2 silencing compromised the accumulation of full‐length I‐2 in planta, but did not affect Mi‐1 levels. Silencing of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and SGT1 led to an almost complete loss of full‐length I‐2 accumulation and a reduction in Mi‐1 protein levels. In contrast to SGT1 and HSP90, RSI2 silencing led to accumulation of I‐2 breakdown products. This difference suggests that RSI2 and HSP90/SGT1 chaperone the I‐2 protein using different molecular mechanisms. We conclude that I‐2 protein function requires RSI2, either through direct interaction with, and stabilization of I‐2 protein or by affecting signalling components involved in initiation of the hypersensitive response.
Hormonal interplay during adventitious root formation in flooded tomato plants
Authors: Vidoz Maria Laura , Loreti Elena , Mensuali Anna , Alpi Amedeo , Perata Pierdomenico 
Published: May 2010

SummarySoil flooding, which results in a decline in the availability of oxygen to submerged organs, negatively affects the growth and productivity of most crops. Although tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is known for its sensitivity to waterlogging, its ability to produce adventitious roots (ARs) increases plant survival when the level of oxygen is decreased in the root zone. Ethylene entrapment by water may represent the first warning signal to the plant indicating waterlogging. We found that treatment with the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and the auxin transport inhibitor 1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) resulted in a reduction of AR formation in waterlogged plants. We observed that ethylene, perceived by the Never Ripe receptor, stimulated auxin transport. In a process requiring the Diageotropica gene, auxin accumulation in the stem triggered additional ethylene synthesis, which further stimulated a flux of auxin towards to the flooded parts of the plant. Auxin accumulation in the base of the plant induces growth of pre‐formed root initials. This response of tomato plants results in a new root system that is capable of replacing the original one when it has been damaged by submergence.
Accumulation of WCS120 protein in wheat cultivars grown at 9°C or 17°C in relation to their winter survival
Authors: Vítámvás P. , Kosová K. , Prášilová P. , Prášil I. T. 
Published: May 2010

With 4 figures and 1 table AbstractWe studied how temperature treatments, at 9°C or 17°C during plant growth under controlled conditions, affected the accumulation of the cold‐regulated dehydrin WCS120 in 21 wheat cultivars which had different winter survival rates. Cultivar survival was established using the provocation pot method over three winters. The levels of WCS120 were determined by immunoblot analyses. There was a good correlation between winter survival and the accumulation of WCS120 in the different cultivars of wheat grown under either 9°C or 17°C. Those plants grown at 9°C accumulated higher amounts of WCS120 than did those grown at 17°C. However, all cultivars tested, including the spring variety, accumulated the WCS120 protein at 17°C. These results indicate that the wheat cultivars with higher levels of frost tolerance can be differentiated from the less‐tolerant ones by the evaluation of WCS120 protein content in the plants, when grown at temperatures higher than those that are normally used in cold‐acclimation treatments.
Effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan on the monocyte expression of biglycan in hypertensive patients
Authors: Sardo Maria A , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Riggio Stefania , D’Ascola Angela , Alibrandi Angela , Saitta Carlo , Imbalzano Egidio , Castaldo Maria , Cinquegrani Maurizio , Saitta Antonino 
Published: May 2010

Summary1. Recently, we demonstrated that biglycan (BGN) is increased in circulating monocyte cells from hypertensive patients and that angiotensin (Ang) II is able to increase BGN expression. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of treatment with the angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist losartan on monocyte BGN mRNA and protein expression in essential hypertension.2. One hundred and twenty‐six newly diagnosed hypertensive patients without additional risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease were treated with 100 mg losartan once daily for 6 months. Biglycan mRNA and protein expression was determined in monocytes isolated from peripheral blood before (T0) and after (T1) therapy. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were also determined. In addition, BGN mRNA and protein expression was determined after the ex vivo addition of 1 μmol/L AngII to monocytes isolated from 20 randomly selected hypertensive patients.3. Biglycan mRNA and protein expression, blood pressure and plasma levels of fibrinogen, IL‐6, TNF‐α and CRP were significantly lower at T1 than at T0. Variations in BGN expression were associated with inflammatory markers, but not directly with blood pressure. In AngII‐stimulated monocytes, BGN mRNA and protein expression was significantly lower at T1 that at T0. Moreover, mean BGN mRNA expression in AngII‐stimulated monocytes isolated from losartan‐treated patients was similar to baseline expression in unstimulated monocytes from untreated patients.4. The results of the present study show that losartan can reduce BGN expression in monocytes from hypertensive patients, without any linear association with blood pressure, suggesting that the effects of AngII on BGN expression in monocytes may be modulated, in part, by an AT1 receptor blocker.
Evidence for functional ghrelin receptors on parasympathetic preganglionic neurons of micturition control pathways in the rat
Authors: Ferens Dorota M , Yin Lei , Ohashi‐Doi Katsuyo , Habgood Mark , Bron Romke , Brock James A , Gale Jeremy D , Furness John B 
Published: May 2010

Summary1. Previous work indicates that agonists of ghrelin receptors can act within the spinal cord to stimulate autonomic outputs to the colorectum and to blood vessels. Because of the close relationship between colorectal and urinary bladder control, we have investigated whether ghrelin receptor agonists also stimulate spinal centres that influence the bladder.2. The ghrelin receptor agonist capromorelin (10 mg/kg), injected intravenously in anaesthetized male rats, disrupted the ongoing cycle of micturition reflexes and caused phasic oscillations in pressure that averaged approximately 20 mmHg. Fluid output from the bladder was diminished. The effects of capromorelin were inhibited by hexamethonium (10 mg/kg bolus followed by 4 mg/kg per h infusion, i.v.) and were further reduced by atropine (5 mg/kg bolus followed by 2.5 mg/kg per h infusion, i.v.). Capromorelin (250 μg) injected directly into the spinal cord at the lumbosacral level also increased contractile activity of the bladder. However, capromorelin, up to 0.1 mmol/L, had no effect on the tension of isolated muscle strips from the bladder. Effects of intravenous capromorelin (10 mg/kg) on bladder pressure were still observed after the descending pathways in the spinal cord were disrupted at the thoracic level.3. In situ hybridization studies revealed ghrelin receptor gene expression in neurons of the autonomic intermediolateral (IML) cell columns. Following a series of micturition reflexes elicited by infusion of saline into the bladder, the immediate early gene product c‐Fos was observed in neurons of the lumbosacral IML and approximately 20% of these also expressed ghrelin receptor gene transcripts.4. It is concluded that ghrelin receptors are expressed by lumbosacral autonomic preganglionic neurons of the micturition reflex pathways and that ghrelin receptor agonists stimulate these neurons.
Enhancing patient safety: The importance of direct supervision for avoiding medication errors and near misses by undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Reid‐Searl Kerry , Moxham Lorna , Happell Brenda 
Published: May 2010

Reid‐Searl K, Moxham L, Happell B. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 225–232 Enhancing patient safety: The importance of direct supervision for avoiding medication errors and near misses by undergraduate nursing studentsMedication errors have been the focus of considerable research attention in nursing; however, the extent to which nursing students might contribute to errors has not been researched. Using a grounded theory approach, in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with undergraduate nursing students based in a university in Queensland to explore their experiences of administering medication in the clinical setting. Almost a third of the participants reported making an actual medication error or a near miss. Where medication errors occurred, participants described not receiving direct and appropriate supervision by a registered nurse. Medication errors by nursing students have the potential to impact significantly on patient safety, quality of health care, and on nursing students' perceptions of their professional competence. Ensuring direct supervision is provided at all times must become an urgent priority for undergraduate nursing education.
Education outcomes related to including genomics activities in nursing practice in Singapore
Authors: Pestka Elizabeth , Lim Swee Hia , Png Hong Hock 
Published: May 2010

Pestka E, Lim SH, Png HH. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 282–288 Education outcomes related to including genomics activities in nursing practice in SingaporeThe purpose of this study was to describe the impact of a genomic educational intervention by measuring the extent participants could apply the class content to practice. A sample of 76 nurses employed by Singapore Health Services, Singapore, participated in a nursing genomics seminar in 2008 and completed a survey form with a response rate of 89%. Every respondent was able to identify use of a genomic assessment or intervention item with a patient from their clinical practice. The mean use of genomic assessment and intervention items was 5.8 out of a possible 10. The most frequently used items were assessment of family history information, environmental factors and genomic physical findings. Findings provide evidence that nurses are able to include genomic assessments and interventions in their practice following targeted education. This study highlights how informed nurses are able to apply genomic assessments and interventions to individualize patient care.
Pressure‐temperature history of titanite‐bearing eclogite from the Western Iratsu body, Sanbagawa Metamorphic Belt, Japan
Authors: Endo Shunsuke 
Published: May 2010

AbstractEvidence for eclogite‐facies metamorphism is widespread in the Western Iratsu body of the oceanic subduction type Sanbagawa Belt, Southwest Japan. Previous studies in this region focused on typical mafic eclogites and have revealed the presence of an early epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism overprinted by a phase of eclogite facies metamorphism. Ca‐rich and titanite‐bearing eclogite, which probably originated from a mixture of basaltic and calc‐siliceous sediments, is also relatively common in the Western Iratsu body, but there has been no detailed petrological study of this lithology. Detailed petrographic observations reveal the presence of a relic early epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism preserved in the cores of garnet and titanite in good agreement with studies of mafic eclogite in the area. Thermobarometric calculations for the eclogitic assemblage garnet + omphacite + epidote + quartz + titanite ± rutile ± phengite give peak‐P of 18.5–20.5 kbar at 525–565°C and subsequent peak‐T conditions of about 635°C at 14–16 kbar. This eclogite metamorphism initiated at about 445°C/11–15 kbar, implying a significantly lower thermal gradient than the earlier epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism (∼650°C/12 kbar). These results define a P–T path with early counter‐clockwise and later clockwise trajectories. The overall P–T path may be related to two distinct phases in the tectono‐thermal evolution in the Sanbagawa subduction zone. The early counter‐clockwise path may record the inception of subduction. The later clockwise path is compatible with previously reported P–T paths from the other eclogitic bodies in the Sanbagawa Belt and supports the tectonic model that these eclogitic bodies were exhumed as a large‐scale coherent unit shortly before ridge subduction.