bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of symptom type and duration on the fate of the metaplastic columnar‐lined Barrett’s oesophagus
Authors: GATENBY P. A. C. , RAMUS J. R. , CAYGILL C. P. J. , FITZGERALD R. C. , CHARLETT A. , WINSLET M. C. , WATSON A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground Prolonged gastro‐oesophageal reflux resulting in columnar metaplasia of the oesophagus is the main risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma.Aim To examine the duration of symptoms and associations of different symptoms with the development of columnar‐lined oesophagus, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.Methods UK multicentre cohort study of patients with columnar‐lined oesophagus whose date of symptom onset (1082 patients) and/or types of symptoms reported (1681 patients) were documented. Follow‐up was examined by analysis of histological reports from the registering centers.Results Symptoms of dysphagia/odynophagia and nausea/vomiting were associated with development of dysplasia. High‐grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma were associated with dysphagia/odynophagia and weight loss. Median duration from symptom onset to detection of columnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia: 2.6 years, columnar‐lined oesophagus with intestinal metaplasia: 5.0 years, indefinite changes for dysplasia: 19.3 years and low‐grade dysplasia: 30.0 years. One tenth of patients had developed high‐grade dysplasia at 9.6 years and one tenth had developed adenocarcinoma at 13.8 years from symptom onset.Conclusions In patients with columnar‐lined oesophagus, symptoms of dysphagia/odynophagia and nausea/vomiting were associated with a higher risk of development of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. There is a trend for longer duration of symptoms to the detection of dysplasia.
Treatment of ulcerative colitis from the patient’s perspective: a survey of preferences and satisfaction with therapy
Authors: GRAY J. R. , LEUNG E. , SCALES J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  Data available regarding patient perspectives on ulcerative colitis (UC) and their preferences and satisfaction with therapy are limited.Aims  To examine the preferences of UC patients to understand better what they look for in a therapy when managing their disease, as this may influence overall medication adherence.Methods  The study surveyed 100 Canadian UC patients on topics including educational resources used to learn about the disease, medication attributes that are most valued and preferred by the patient and satisfaction with current therapy.Results  Overall, efficacy‐ and safety‐related medication attributes were rated by patients to be more important than those related to dosing regimen (e.g. dosing frequency, number of pills), cost and formulary coverage. In pair‐wise comparisons of specific medication attributes, UC patients rated speed of symptom relief and few side effects as the most important factors when considering a UC medication (preferred on average 84% and 74% of the time respectively).Conclusion  This study provides insight into UC patient preferences and satisfaction with therapy that may be important when counselling on treatment options, and generates relevant discussions on adherence. Larger studies may be warranted to examine further how these findings can be extrapolated to broader UC populations.
Natural course of treated and untreated chronic HCV infection: results of the nationwide Hepnet.Greece cohort study
Authors: MANESIS E. K. , PAPATHEODORIDIS G. V. , TOULOUMI G. , KARAFOULIDOU A. , KETIKOGLOU J. , KITIS G. E. , ANTONIOU A. , KANATAKIS S. , KOUTSOUNAS S. J. , VAFIADIS I. ,   for the HEPNET.Greece Cohort Study
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  Interferon (IFN‐α)‐based regimens have been used with varying success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) for over two decades. The effect of such treatments on the natural course of CHC has been evaluated in small clinical trials with conflicting results.Aim  To investigate the natural course of IFNα‐based ‐treated and untreated patients with CHC by analysing data from the HEPNET.GREECE study.Methods  We retrospectively analysed 1738 patients from 25 Greek Centres (median age 40.1; males 57.6%; cirrhosis 9.2%), 734 untreated and 993 treated with IFNα‐based regimens [44.7% sustained viral response (SVR)], followed‐up for median 25.2 and 46.8 months, respectively.Results During follow‐up, 48 patients developed liver decompensation and 24 HCC. Older age was significantly related to disease progression (HR = 2.6 per 10 years of increasing age). Stratified by baseline cirrhosis, Cox analysis showed that patients with SVR, but not without SVR, had significantly lower hazard for events compared with nontreated patients (HR = 0.16; P < 0.001), whereas the detrimental effect of older age remained highly significant. Separate group analysis demonstrated that in cirrhosis, the beneficial effect of treatment was evident even without SVR. Treatment effect interacted significantly with age, indicating that older patients, mainly noncirrhotic, gained the most benefit.Conclusions IFNα‐based treatment does alter the natural course of CHC. A protective effect is mostly present in patients with SVR, but older patients, at higher risk of events, gain the greatest benefit. In established cirrhosis, treatment carries a protective effect even among those without SVR.
Phleum pratense alone is sufficient for allergen‐specific immunotherapy against allergy to Pooideae grass pollens
Authors: Hejl C. , Wurtzen P. A. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Johansen N. , Broge L. , Ipsen H. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground
Specific immunotherapy is the only causal treatment of allergy available today. Traditionally, therapeutic products based on either a single grass species or a mix of such extracts are used for grass pollen immunotherapy. Investigations comparing the immunological response to these allergen preparations are needed to ensure optimal treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate patterns of T and B cell cross‐reactivity to Pooideae single‐species extracts and to extract mixes.Methods
IgG4 induced by immunotherapy with Phleum pratense extract was investigated for cross‐reactivity using nine single‐species extracts and four mixes. For the mixes, studies of IgE cross‐reactivity were also performed. T cell cross‐reactivity was investigated in lines specific to nPhl p 1 or nPhl p 5 allergens, and the amounts of group 1 and 5 allergens in the extracts were quantified by a single radial immunodiffusion.Results
The levels of treatment‐induced IgG4 detected by all the extracts displayed a clear correlation to that detected by the P. pratense pollen extract. The IgE studies confirmed the cross‐reactivity of P. pratense‐specific B cells towards the allergens contained in the mixes, and the T cell studies demonstrated cross‐reactivity towards group 1 and 5 major allergens in extracts of six temperate grass species.Conclusion
Extensive T and B cell cross‐reactivity was observed towards the allergens of the Pooideae grasses, and the degree of B cell cross‐reactivity was independent of the number of species included in the extract mixes. This implies that treatment with pollen extract of just one Pooideae species will affect the allergic responses caused by any of the temperate grasses in this subfamily.
Taurine chloramine inhibits functional responses of human eosinophilsin vitro
Authors: Martinez‐Losa M. , Cortijo J. , Piqueras L. , Sanz M. J. , Morcillo E. J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackgroundEosinophils are prominent effectors of allergic inflammation. Taurine‐chloramine (TauCl), a derivative of the amino acid taurine, shows antioxidant properties in different cell systems but its effects on eosinophils have not been reported.ObjectiveTo study the effects of TauCl and taurine on functional responses of isolated human eosinophils activated by different stimuli.MethodsHuman eosinophils were purified from the blood of healthy donors by a magnetic bead separation system. The effects of TauCl and taurine (0.1–1 mm) were investigated on the generation of superoxide anion (ferricytochrome‐creduction microassay), calcium signal (fluorimetry), p47phox–p67phoxtranslocation (Western blot), leukotriene C4(LTC4) production (enzymeimmunoassay), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) release (spectrophotometry), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) release (radioimmunoassay), apoptosis (flow cytometry with annexin V‐propidium iodide), and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation (Western blot).ResultsTauCl inhibited superoxide anion generation triggered byN‐formyl‐Met–Leu–Phe (fMLP; 30 nm), phorbol myristate acetate (1 nm) and serum opsonized zymosan (0.5 mg/mL) with similar potency (IC50∼200 μm) for the three stimuli, while taurine (0.1–1 mm) was scarcely effective. TauCl but not taurine inhibited p47phox–p67phoxtranslocation. TauCl (200 μm) and taurine (1 mm) did not modify the [Ca2+]iresponses to fMLP. TauCl inhibited the release of EPO (IC50∼200 μm) and reduced ECP and LTC4production from fMLP‐activated eosinophils while taurine was without significant effects. TauCl (1 mm) did not change constitutive apoptosis but significantly attenuated the ability of granulocyte‐monocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and IL‐5 to prevent apoptosis. The activation of eosinophil NF‐κB induced by GM‐CSF and IL‐5 was suppressed by TauCl.ConclusionTaurine is without significantin vitroeffects on human eosinophil functions but its derivative TauCl inhibits oxidative burst and generation of inflammatory mediators, and reverses the survival effect produced by inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, endogenous TauCl may help to suppress excessive inflammatory response in eosinophils at inflammatory sites.
Glucocorticoid receptor gene variant is associated with increased body fatness in youngsters
Authors: Voorhoeve Paul G. , Van Den Akker Erica L. T. , Van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Koper Jan W. , Van Mechelen Willem , Lamberts Steven W. J. , Delemarre‐van de Waal Henriette A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  Sensitivity to glucocorticoids is known to be highly variable between individuals and is partly determined by polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene. We investigated the relationship between four GR gene polymorphisms and body composition during puberty and at young adult age.Design  An observational study with repeated measurements.Patients  Two comparable young Dutch cohorts with a generational difference of about 20 years were investigated. The first cohort consisted of 284 subjects born between 1961 and 1965. Measurements were performed from 13 to 36 years of age. The second cohort consisted of 235 subjects born between 1981 and 1989. Measurements were performed from 8 to 14 years of age.Measurements  Associations between height, weight, BMI, fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass and four well‐known functional polymorphisms were investigated.Results  In boys in the younger cohort, the G‐allele of the BclI polymorphism (haplotype 2) was associated with a higher body weight, weight‐SDS, BMI, BMI‐SDS and FM. These associations were not observed in the older cohort. Irrespective of genotype, the younger cohort showed a significantly higher total FM, body weight and BMI compared with the older cohort.Conclusions  Because the associations between the G‐allele of the BclI polymorphism in the GR gene and body FM in boys were only found in a healthy young population, but not in a comparable, generally leaner cohort from an older generation, it is suggested that carriers of this polymorphism are likely to be more vulnerable to fat accumulation in today’s obesity promoting environment, than noncarriers.
How should a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma be monitored after debulking surgery?
Authors: Greenman Yona , Stern Naftali 
Published: February 2009

SummaryTranssphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice for nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas but is seldom curative. Tumour progression rates are high in patients with postoperative remnants. Therefore, long‐term monitoring is necessary to detect tumour growth, which may be asymptomatic or manifest with visual field defects and/or pituitary dysfunction. In view of the generally slow‐growing nature of these tumours, yearly magnetic resonance imaging, neuro‐ophalmologic and pituitary function evaluation are appropriate during the first 3–5 years after surgery. If there is no evidence for tumour progression during this period, testing intervals may be extended thereafter.
Association between low bone mass and aortic valve sclerosis in Koreans
Authors: Choi Han S. , Rhee Yumie , Hur Nam W. , Chung Namsik , Lee Eun J. , Lim Sung‐Kil 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  Osteoporosis or low bone mass has been associated with cardiovascular disease and calcification in several clinical studies. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between bone mass and valvular calcification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between low bone mass and aortic valve sclerosis in Korean men and women.Methods  A total of 211 men and 117 women were included in this study. Each subject’s bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and aortic valve sclerosis was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Association between low bone mass and aortic valve sclerosis was assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis in this cross‐sectional study.Results  Of 328 total subjects enrolled in this study, 50 men (23·7%) and 18 women (15·4%) were found to have aortic valve sclerosis. The mean (±SD) BMD T‐scores were −0·5 (±0·8) in men and −0·9 (±1·0) in women. After adjusting for covariates, only women with aortic valve sclerosis had significantly lower BMD T‐scores than those without it. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking and hypertension were independently associated with increased risk of aortic valve sclerosis in men. In women, however, logistic regression analysis showed that BMD T‐score, as well as age, was an independent variable for aortic valve sclerosis. We also found that a T‐score of less than −1·5 was significantly associated with increased risk of aortic valve sclerosis in women compared to normal T‐scores.Conclusion  Low bone mass might be independently associated with increased risk of aortic valve sclerosis in women, but not in men. Women with low bone mass should be further evaluated for the presence of aortic valve sclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
Regulatory T cells in Graves’ disease
Authors: Pan Deshun , Shin Young‐Ha , Gopalakrishnan Geetha , Hennessey James , De Groot Leslie J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryContext  Graves’ disease (GD) involves auto‐immunity against thyroid cell antigens, but the reasons for induction of auto‐immunity are uncertain. We wished to determine whether there was a deficiency of regulatory T cells in patients with active GD.Design  Venous blood samples were obtained from patients with GD before and after treatment, and controls, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prepared.Patients and measurements  Regulatory T cells were enumerated by Fluorescent Activated Cell sorting (FACS) in nineteen patients with untreated GD, 9 patients 6–8 weeks post RAI therapy, and 30 control subjects. Twenty‐one patients with active GD prior to control of hyperthyroidism, 23 euthyroid controls without known autoimmune thyroid disease, and 10 patients who were euthyroid 6–12 months after RAI treatment were studied for expression of genes found in regulatory T cells by real‐time Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR).Results  Percent distribution of CD4+, CD4+CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+int‐hi CD127+lo regulatory T cells was similar in active GD patients and control subjects. The number of CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+int‐hi CD127+lo cells was similar in GD patients and control subjects, but was lower in recently treated patients. Messenger RNA was prepared from PBMC, and reverse transcribed. Copy DNA abundance was evaluated by Real Time PCR using appropriate primers, for GAPDH (glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase) as a control housekeeping gene, and 5 genes related to function of regulatory T cells. Message RNA for Gadd45 alpha, Gadd45beta (growth arrest and damage inducible proteins), GITR (glucocorticoid inducible TNF receptor) and CD25 (IL‐2R subunit) was more abundant in patients with active GD than in normal controls, and FoxP3 mRNA level was equal to that in controls. Message RNA levels in patients treated and euthyroid for 6 months were also greater than or equal to values in controls.Conclusion  This study provides evidence that there is no deficit in T regulatory cells during active GD, or during the months post therapy.
Testicular dysgenesis syndrome: foetal origin of adult reproductive problems
Authors: Wohlfahrt‐Veje Christine , Main Katharina M. , Skakkebæk Niels Erik 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe evidence for the existence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) is presented in this review. Several epidemiological studies have shown that conditions like cryptorchidism, impaired spermatogenesis, hypospadias and testicular cancer can be associated as risk factors for each other. Thus, the risk of testis cancer is significantly increased in men with cryptorchidism and/or infertility. Several recent studies point towards early dysgenesis of the foetal testis as the biological link between these disorders. Dysgenesis has been demonstrated in biopsies of the contralateral testis of men with testis cancer and in infertile men. The histological evidence includes immature seminiferous tubules with undifferentiated Sertoli cells, microliths and Sertoli‐cell only tubules. Dysgenetic testes often have an irregular ultrasound pattern, where microliths may also be visible. Our current hypothesis is that maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals may contribute to the pathogenesis of TDS. Animal experiments have shown that all TDS symptoms, except testicular cancer, can be induced by foetal exposure to anti‐androgenic chemicals. However, the cause of TDS in humans remains to be determined.
Plasma visfatin concentrations increase in both hyper and hypothyroid subjects after normalization of thyroid function and are not related to insulin resistance, anthropometric or inflammatory parameters
Authors: Caixàs A. , Tirado R. , Vendrell J. , Gallart L. , Megía A. , Simón I. , Llauradó G. , González‐Clemente J.M. , Giménez‐Palop O. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma visfatin levels in thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with inflammatory, anthropometric and insulin resistance parameters.Design and patients  Twenty‐four hyperthyroid and 27 hypothyroid patients were studied before and after treatment. Forty‐five euthyroid subjects were used as control group.Measurements  Fasting plasma visfatin, IL‐6, C reactive protein, adiponectin, thyroid hormones, waist‐to‐hip ratio, BMI, percentage of body fat and homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR) were measured.Results  Hyperthyroid patients showed increased insulin resistance, IL‐6 and visfatin levels compared with controls (3·21 ± 3·0 vs. 1·67 ± 0·75, P = 0·022; 3·35 ± 0·41 vs. 2·10 ± 0·25 pg/ml, P = 0·016; and 37·4 ± 5·81 vs. 23·79 ± 4·2 ng/ml, P = 0·061 respectively). After normalization of thyroid function, IL‐6 levels and HOMA‐IR decreased (2·35 ± 0·37 vs. 2·10 ± 0·25 pg/ml, P = 0·045 and 3·21 ± 0·60 vs. 2·28 ± 0·38, P = 0·032 respectively), while body weight, adiposity and visfatin levels increased (26·1 ± 1·2 vs. 26·7 ± 1·2 kg/m2, P = 0·049; 30·9 ± 1·6 vs. 32·2 ± 1·6%, P = 0·007; and 37·4 ± 5·81 vs. 63·13 ± 8·72 ng/ml, P = 0·047 respectively). C reactive protein and adiponectin levels were similar to those of the control group. Hypothyroid patients showed high visfatin levels (40·59 ± 3·07 vs. 29·34 ± 4·9 ng/ml, P = 0·049) that increased after treatment (81·4 ± 9·2 ng/ml, P = 0·001) without changes in anthropometric or insulin resistance parameters. C reactive protein, IL‐6 and adiponectin levels were similar to those of the control group. No correlations between visfatin and any analysed parameter were found in either hyper‐ or hypothyroidism.Conclusion  Visfatin exhibits a marked increase after normalization of thyroid function in both hyper and hypothyroid patients. We suggest that visfatin may play a role in the hormone stabilization process independent of anthropometric, inflammatory or insulin resistance variables.
Organic carbon additions: effects on soil bio‐physical and physico‐chemical properties
Authors: Bhogal A. , Nicholson F. A. , Chambers B. J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe effects of organic carbon (OC) additions from farm manures and crop residues on selected soil bio‐physical and physico‐chemical properties were measured at seven experimental sites, on contrasting soil types, with a history of repeated applications of farm manure or differential rates of inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (N). Repeated (> 7 years annual additions) and relatively large OC inputs (up to 65 t OC ha−1) were needed to produce measurable changes in soil properties, particularly physical properties. However, over all the study sites, there was a positive relationship between OC inputs and changes in total soil OC and ‘light’ fraction OC (LFOC), with LFOC providing a more sensitive indicator of changes in soil organic matter status. Total soil OC increased by an average of 3% for every 10 t ha−1manure OC applied, whereas LFOC increased byc. 14%. The measured soil OC increases were equivalent toc. 23% of the manure OC applied (up to 65 t OC ha−1applied over 9 years) andc. 22% of the crop residue OC applied (up to 32 t OC ha−1over 23 years). The manure OC inputs (but not crop residue OC inputs) increased topsoil porosity and plant available water capacity, and decreased bulk density by 0.6%, 2.5% and 0.5% with every 10 t ha−1manure OC applied, respectively. Both OC sources increased the size of the microbial biomass (11% increase in biomass C with 10 t OC ha−1input), but only manure OC increased its activity (16% increase in the soil respiration rate with 10 t OC ha−1input). Likewise, the potentially mineralizable N pool only increased with manure N inputs (14% increase with 1 t manure total N ha−1). However, these soil quality benefits need to be balanced with any potential environmental impacts, such as excessive nutrient accumulation, increased nitrate leaching and phosphorus losses and gaseous emissions to the atmosphere.