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Education section – Reporting of randomised trials
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Tags: EDUCATION SECTION Source Type: research

Interferon for interferon non‐responding and relapsing patients with chronic hepatitis C
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Ronald L. Koretz Tags: COCHRANE REVIEWS – IN THEIR OWN WORDS Source Type: research

Xpert MTB/RIF test for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Karen R. Steingart Tags: COCHRANE REVIEWS – IN THEIR OWN WORDS Source Type: research

Slum upgrading strategies involving physical environment and infrastructure interventions and their effects on health and socio‐economic outcomes
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Nandita Bhan Tags: COCHRANE REVIEWS – IN THEIR OWN WORDS Source Type: research

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – issue 1 2013
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Tags: COCHRANE REVIEW Source Type: research

Challenges and a response strategy for the development of nursing in China: a descriptive and quantitative analysis
ConclusionsEducation and health systems need to be extensively reformed. It is necessary to train nursing students with core competencies using transformative learning. It is necessary to update textbooks and teaching methods, and funding should be appropriately increased. Nursing should co‐operate with other disciplines, and apply evidence‐based nursing methods to improve the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction.
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Yingqiang Wang, Shiyou Wei, Youping Li, Shaolin Deng, Qianqian Luo, Yan Li Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Pediatric off‐label drug use in China: risk factors and management strategies
Conclusions(i) A management guideline for off‐label drug use is urgently needed, with which we can guide medical institutions to establish the management regulations of off‐label drug use. (ii) Pediatric clinical research should be promoted actively, and pharmaceutical enterprises should be encouraged to completely provide pediatric drug information. (iv) Academic organizations should be invited to join in for best professional drug use. (v) Pediatric patients and their families should receive the education on rational drug use.
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Lingli Zhang, Youping Li, Yi Liu, Linan Zeng, Die Hu, Liang Huang, Min Chen, Juan Lv, Chunsong Yang Tags: BRICS Source Type: research

Editorial for issue 1 of 2013, Journal of Evidence Based Medicine
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine - February 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Mike Clarke, Youping Li Tags: EDITORIAL Source Type: research

Prospective study of POLG mutations presenting in children with intractable epilepsy—prevalence and clinical features
This study emphasizes that genetic testing for POLG mutations in patients with nonsyndromic intractable epilepsies is very important for clinical diagnostics, genetic counseling, and treatment decisions because of the increased risk for VPA‐induced liver failure in patients with POLG mutations. We recommend POLG gene testing for patients with intractable seizures and at least one elevated CSF lactate or suggestive brain MRI changes (predominantly abnormal T2‐weighted thalamic signal) with or without status epilepticus, epilepsia partialis continua, or liver manifestations typical for Alpers disease, especially when the...
Source: Epilepsia - February 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Johanna Uusimaa, Vasantha Gowda, Anthony McShane, Conrad Smith, Julie Evans, Annie Shrier, Manisha Narasimhan, Anthony O'Rourke, Yusuf Rajabally, Tammy Hedderly, Frances Cowan, Carl Fratter, Joanna Poulton Tags: Full‐Length Original Research Source Type: research

Suicidal ideation and behavior screening in intractable focal epilepsy eligible for drug trials
Summary PurposeThree suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior instruments were used to assess the prevalence of lifetime and recent suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in patients with frequent treatment‐resistant focal seizures who would be eligible for randomized clinical trials. This was done to determine which instrument was optimal for use in epilepsy. MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, we compared lifetime and recent suicidal ideation and suicide attempt on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C‐SSRS), and Interactive Voice Response System CSSRS (E...
Source: Epilepsia - February 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Dale C. Hesdorffer, Jacqueline A. French, Kelly Posner, Bree DiVentura, John R. Pollard, Michael R. Sperling, Cynthia L. Harden, Gregory L. Krauss, Andres M. Kanner Tags: Full‐Length Original Research Source Type: research

Different electroclinical picture of generalized epilepsy in two families with 15q13.3 microdeletion
We describe two families in which several affected members carry a 15q13.3 microdeletion in a pattern suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. Their phenotype includes mainly absence epilepsy and mild ID, suggesting only similarities with genetic/idiopathic generalized epilepsies but not typical features. The importance of studying such families is crucial to broaden the phenotype and understand the long‐term outcome of patients with this condition.
Source: Epilepsia - February 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Antonietta Coppola, Irene Bagnasco, Monica Traverso, Alfredo Brusco, Eleonora Di Gregorio, Luigi Del Gaudio, Lia Santulli, Carmela Caccavale, Piernanda Vigliano, Carlo Minetti, Salvatore Striano, Federico Zara, Pasquale Striano Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research

Adherence to antiepileptic medicines in children—A multiple‐methods assessment involving dried blood spot sampling
Summary PurposeTo evaluate adherence to prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children with epilepsy using a combination of adherence‐assessment methods. MethodsA total of 100 children with epilepsy (≤17 years old) were recruited. Medication adherence was determined via parental and child self‐reporting (≥9 years old), medication refill data from general practitioner (GP) prescribing records, and via AED concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) samples obtained from children at the clinic and via self‐ or parental‐led sampling in children's own homes. The latter were assessed using population pharmacokineti...
Source: Epilepsia - February 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Noraida Mohamed Shah, Ahmed F. Hawwa, Jeff S. Millership, Paul S. Collier, Paul Ho, Mui Ling Tan, Deirdre Peake, Sandya Tirupathi, Janice Bothwell, Nicola Bailie, Charles Shepherd, John Craig, James C. McElnay Tags: Full‐Length Original Research Source Type: research

To TOE or not to TOE? That is the question in patients with portal hypertension and varices
We read with interest your recently published review by Cardénas and Ginès on patients with cirrhosis, awaiting liver transplantation,1 with an emphasis on the high morbidity and mortality with variceal bleeding. Such patients may require a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) to assess cardiorespiratory abnormalities potentially precluding a transplant, as well as for intraoperative haemodynamic monitoring and for investigation for endocarditis. However, the safety of performing a TOE in such patients is debated by clinicians due to the perceived risk of postprocedural bleeding.2 Three small studies have an...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Leung, C., Yeoh, S. W., Lim, L. Y., Boyapati, R., Testro, A. G., Vaughan, R., Marion, K., Burrell, L. M., Angus, P. W. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

Letter to the editor regarding the report of Duboc et al: connecting dysbiosis, bile-acid dysmetabolism and gut inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease
We read with interest the informative and required investigation of bile-acid dysmetabolism, dysbiosis and inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) by Duboc et al.1 The paper suggests that a characteristic finding of IBD is reduced faecal secondary bile acids (BA), increased conjugated BA and increased sulphated BA.1 The authors link the luminal dysmetabolism of BA to dysbiosis, and the loss of microbiota deconjugation, transformation and desulphation enzymatic functions.1 The authors report convincing evidence demonstrating that a decrease in bacteria-bearing bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activities may be involved i...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Jones, M. L., Martoni, C. J., Prakash, S. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

Identification of novel missense CTRC variants in Japanese patients with chronic pancreatitis
This study was approved by the ethics committee of Tohoku University School of Medicine (article #2012-1-158). We identified five missense variants in patients with CP and one in controls (table 1). Four variants were located in exon 7, 1 in exon 2, and 1 in exon 6. All missense variants were in...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Masamune, A., Nakano, E., Kume, K., Kakuta, Y., Ariga, H., Shimosegawa, T. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

Efficacy of granulocyte/monocyte apheresis for moderate to severe Crohn's disease
We read the article by Sands et al1 with interest. The efficacy of granulocyte/monocyte apheresis (GMA) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is controversial, with previous studies mainly conducted in Japan, involving small numbers of patients, often without sham controls.2–4 The authors should, therefore, be congratulated for performing a large, randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled study of GMA in moderate to severely active Crohn's disease in a Western population. The study failed to demonstrate any benefit of GMA, in terms of clinical remission or response, compared with sham treatment at 12 weeks. Howeve...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Eaden, J. A., Ford, A. C. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

GI highlights from the literature
Genetic predisposition to adenomas explains a large part of heritable colorectal cancer risk  Carvajal-Carmona LG, Zauber AG, Jones AM, et al. Much of the genetic risk of colorectal cancer is likely to be mediated through susceptibility to adenomas. Gastroenterology 2013;144:53–5. Genetic association studies have identified a number of single nucleotide polypmorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Since these studies have used CRC cases, it remains uncertain whether or not functional genetic variants associated with CRC increase cancer risk through predisposition to aden...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: McLean, M. H. Tags: JournalScan Source Type: research

Geographical variability and environmental risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease
The changing epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across time and geography suggests that environmental factors play a major role in modifying disease expression. Disease emergence in developing nations suggests that epidemiological evolution is related to westernisation of lifestyle and industrialisation. The strongest environmental associations identified are cigarette smoking and appendectomy, although neither alone explains the variation in incidence of IBD worldwide. Urbanisation of societies, associated with changes in diet, antibiotic use, hygiene status, microbial exposures and pollution have been impli...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ng, S. C., Bernstein, C. N., Vatn, M. H., Lakatos, P. L., Loftus, E. V., Tysk, C., O'Morain, C., Moum, B., Colombel, J.-F., on behalf of the Epidemiology and Natural History Task Force of the International Organization of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD Tags: GUT Recent advances in clinical practice Source Type: research

Biology of nitrogen oxides in the gastrointestinal tract
Throughout the human gastrointestinal tract a variety of reactive nitrogen oxides are continuously formed as a result of a complex interplay between the host, commensal bacteria and dietary factors. These compounds include nitric oxide, nitrite, nitrate, peroxynitrite, S-nitrosothiols, nitrated fatty acids and N-nitrosamines, all of which are bioactive with the potential to affect physiological and pathological processes locally in the gut as well as systemically after absorption. Historically, the literature has been dominated by studies on the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines, but the focus was shifted ...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Lundberg, J. O., Weitzberg, E. Tags: GUT Recent advances in basic science, Gut Education Source Type: research

Metformin decreases hepatocellular carcinoma risk in a dose-dependent manner: population-based and in vitro studies
Conclusions Use of metformin is associated with a decreased risk of HCC in diabetic patients in a dose-dependent manner, via inhibition of hepatoma cells proliferation and induction of cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Chen, H.-P., Shieh, J.-J., Chang, C.-C., Chen, T.-T., Lin, J.-T., Wu, M.-S., Lin, J.-H., Wu, C.-Y. Tags: Hepatic cancer Hepatology Source Type: research

A novel mouse model of veno-occlusive disease provides strategies to prevent thioguanine-induced hepatic toxicity
Conclusion This novel model provides clinically relevant insights into how 6TG induces SOS, and how this dangerous adverse drug reaction may be avoided by either inhibition of endothelial activation or simple changes to dosing regimens of 6TG, while still being effective treatment for colitis.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Oancea, I., Png, C. W., Das, I., Lourie, R., Winkler, I. G., Eri, R., Subramaniam, N., Jinnah, H. A., McWhinney, B. C., Levesque, J.-P., McGuckin, M. A., Duley, J. A., Florin, T. H. J. Tags: Hepatology Source Type: research

Young woman with recurrent vomiting associated with weight loss
A 39-year-old woman presented with an 18-month history of episodic severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and 30 kg weight loss requiring multiple hospital admissions. Her past medical history included hypothyroidism, migraines and lower back pain for which she used paracetamol, codeine and intermittent diclofenac up to 150 mg per day for up to a week during exacerbations. C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were raised up to 89 mg/l and 80 mm/h respectively during some of these admissions. She was iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficient. Serum vasculitic screen was normal. Initial gastr...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Boyapati, R., Garg, M., Crowley, P., Connelly, N. Tags: GUT Snapshot Editor ' s quiz: GI snapshot Source Type: research

CFTR, SPINK1, CTRC and PRSS1 variants in chronic pancreatitis: is the role of mutated CFTR overestimated?
Conclusions Accumulation of CFTR variants in CP is less pronounced than reported previously, with ORs between 2.7 and 4.5. Only CF-causing variants reached statistical significance. Compound and trans-heterozygosity is an overt risk factor for the development of CP, but the number of CFTR compound heterozygotes in particular is rather low. In summary, the study demonstrates the complexity of genetic interactions in CP and a minor influence of CFTR alterations in CP development.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Rosendahl, J., Landt, O., Bernadova, J., Kovacs, P., Teich, N., Bodeker, H., Keim, V., Ruffert, C., Mossner, J., Kage, A., Stumvoll, M., Groneberg, D., Kruger, R., Luck, W., Treiber, M., Becker, M., Witt, H. Tags: Pancreas and biliary tract, Pancreatitis Source Type: research

An epigenetic role for PRL-3 as a regulator of H3K9 methylation in colorectal cancer
Conclusion Our data reveal a new role for PRL-3 as a key regulator of histone demethylation. JMJD1B seems to be a candidate tumour suppressor and JMJD2B seems to be a potential oncoprotein in the development and progression of CRC.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Liu, Y., Zheng, P., Liu, Y., Ji, T., Liu, X., Yao, S., Cheng, X., Li, Y., Chen, L., Xiao, Z., Zhou, J., Li, J. Tags: Colon cancer Source Type: research

Salutary effects of adiponectin on colon cancer: in vivo and in vitro studies in mice
Conclusion These new mechanistic and pathophysiology studies provide evidence for an important role of adiponectin in colon cancer. The data indicate that adiponectin or analogues might be useful agents in the management or chemoprevention of colon cancer.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Moon, H.-S., Liu, X., Nagel, J. M., Chamberland, J. P., Diakopoulos, K. N., Brinkoetter, M. T., Hatziapostolou, M., Wu, Y., Robson, S. C., Iliopoulos, D., Mantzoros, C. S. Tags: Colon cancer Source Type: research

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote colorectal cancer progression through paracrine neuregulin 1/HER3 signalling
Conclusion Paracrine NRG1/HER3 signals initiated by BM-MSC and T-MC promote CRC cell progression, and high tNRG1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in CRC.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: De Boeck, A., Pauwels, P., Hensen, K., Rummens, J.-L., Westbroek, W., Hendrix, A., Maynard, D., Denys, H., Lambein, K., Braems, G., Gespach, C., Bracke, M., Wever, O. D. Tags: Colon cancer, Hepatic cancer Source Type: research

A combined oncogenic pathway signature of BRAF, KRAS and PI3KCA mutation improves colorectal cancer classification and cetuximab treatment prediction
Conclusion A combined oncogenic pathway signature allows the identification of patients with an active EGFR-signalling pathway that could benefit from downstream pathway inhibition.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tian, S., Simon, I., Moreno, V., Roepman, P., Tabernero, J., Snel, M., van't Veer, L., Salazar, R., Bernards, R., Capella, G. Tags: Open access, Editor's choice, Colon cancer Source Type: research

Connecting dysbiosis, bile-acid dysmetabolism and gut inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases
Conclusions Impaired microbiota enzymatic activity observed in IBD-associated dysbiosis leads to modifications in the luminal BA pool composition. Altered BA transformation in the gut lumen can erase the anti-inflammatory effects of some BA species on gut epithelial cells and could participate in the chronic inflammation loop of IBD.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Duboc, H., Rajca, S., Rainteau, D., Benarous, D., Maubert, M.-A., Quervain, E., Thomas, G., Barbu, V., Humbert, L., Despras, G., Bridonneau, C., Dumetz, F., Grill, J.-P., Masliah, J., Beaugerie, L., Cosnes, J., Chazouilleres, O., Poupon, R., Wolf, C., Mal Tags: Inflammatory bowel disease Source Type: research

Extracellular cathepsin K exerts antimicrobial activity and is protective against chronic intestinal inflammation in mice
Conclusion These data identify extracellular cathepsin K as an intestinal antibacterial factor with anti-inflammatory potential and suggest that topical administration of cathepsin K might provide a therapeutic option for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Sina, C., Lipinski, S., Gavrilova, O., Aden, K., Rehman, A., Till, A., Rittger, A., Podschun, R., Meyer-Hoffert, U., Haesler, R., Midtling, E., Putsep, K., McGuckin, M. A., Schreiber, S., Saftig, P., Rosenstiel, P. Tags: Inflammatory bowel disease Source Type: research

Identification of a potential physiological precursor of aberrant cells in refractory coeliac disease type II
Conclusion Our studies indicate that the CD3–CD7+icCD3+ population is heterogeneous and reveal the existence of a Lin– subset that is distinct from T, B, NK and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. We speculate that this IL-15 responsive population represents the physiological counterpart of aberrant cells expanded in RCDII and transformed in RCDII-associated lymphoma.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Schmitz, F., Tjon, J. M. L., Lai, Y., Thompson, A., Kooy-Winkelaar, Y., Lemmers, R. J. L. F., Verspaget, H. W., Mearin, M. L., Staal, F. J., Schreurs, M. W., Cupedo, T., Langerak, A. W., Mulder, C. J., van Bergen, J., Koning, F. Tags: Coeliac disease Source Type: research

CHIP functions as a novel suppressor of tumour angiogenesis with prognostic significance in human gastric cancer
Conclusions Decreased CHIP expression in GC resulted in increased angiogenesis and contributed to GC progression and poor prognosis. CHIP expression is a GC candidate clinical prognostic marker and a putative treatment target.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Wang, S., Wu, X., Zhang, J., Chen, Y., Xu, J., Xia, X., He, S., Qiang, F., Li, A., Shu, Y., Roe, O. D., Li, G., Zhou, J. W. Tags: Pancreatic cancer Stomach Source Type: research

Endoscopic assessment of the oesophageal features of eosinophilic oesophagitis: validation of a novel classification and grading system
Conclusions The proposed system for endoscopically-identified oesophageal features of EoE defines common nomenclature and severity scores for the assessment of EoE disease activity. The system has good interobserver agreement among practising and academic gastroenterologists.
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Hirano, I., Moy, N., Heckman, M. G., Thomas, C. S., Gonsalves, N., Achem, S. R. Tags: Oesophagus Source Type: research

Leukoapheresis in Crohn's disease: the final curtain?
In 2012, our therapeutic armamentarium is still limited in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) refractory to standard medications. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents (eg, infliximab and adalimumab) have changed the way these patients are treated. However, only one third of patients with CD who are administered infliximab or adalimumab will be in clinical remission at 1 year.1 In addition, secondary loss of response is relatively frequent with all anti-TNF agents.2 New therapeutic options are therefore eagerly awaited for these patients. With this in mind, the relative newcomer apheresis looked promising. Cytaphere...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Peyrin-Biroulet, L., Danese, S. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research

Refractory coeliac disease: one step closer to the origin of aberrant lymphocytes
Aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are the key feature of refractory coeliac disease type II (RCDII), but the cellular origin of these aberrant IELs remains unclear. In a recent paper Schmitz et al1 further explored previously characterised aberrant IEL cell lines from four patients with RCDII by using a broad spectrum of cell specific markers, RNA array and immunological techniques, to compare these cell lines to IELs from the fetal intestine, the intestine of children and adults and the thymus. IELs are a heterogeneous population of lymphocytes with innate and adaptive features that inhabit the small and large i...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Zevallos, V. F., Schuppan, D. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research

Adiponectin: a relevant player in obesity-related colorectal cancer?
Obesity is a condition characterised by an abnormally elevated mass of body fat. The past decades have seen a dramatic rise in the worldwide incidence of obesity due to lifestyle changes that have led to an overall reduced physical activity and an increase in the intake of excessive and/or highly caloric or processed foods. As a consequence, obesity represents nowadays a major global health concern. In particular, several epidemiological studies have linked obesity to a shortened lifespan due primarily to a higher risk for the development of chronic pathologies that include cardiovascular complications such as high blood p...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Cava, A. L. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research

Anticoagulation in patients with liver cirrhosis: complication or therapeutic opportunity?
Introduction Like many physiological systems, the coagulation cascade is dependent upon a dynamic interplay, which is between multiple opposing procoagulant and anticoagulant drivers so as to maintain physiological haemostasis and prevent unwanted episodes of bleeding or thrombosis. The end product of this proteolytic cascade is the generation of thrombin, which cleaves soluble fibrinogen into fibrin to form a blood clot.1 This process occurs in several phases. Briefly, the initiation phase occurs when tissue factor exposed on cellular surfaces of vascular injury binds circulating factor VIIa,2 which leads to small amounts...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Jairath, V., Burroughs, A. K. Tags: Cirrhosis Leading article Source Type: research

Highlights from this issue
Luminal GIValidation of a novel endoscopic classification and grading system for eosinophilic oesophagitis Currently, there is limited consensus on how best to characterise the endoscopically identified oesophageal features in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). In this issue of Gut Hirano et al propose a system incorporating standardised classification and grading of severity. The proposed classification and grading system demonstrated good interobserver agreement among paediatric and adult gastroenterologists with varying degrees of clinical experience with EoE. This instrument will facilitate comparisons of clinical phenot...
Source: Gut - February 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: El-Omar, E., Grady, W., Gerbes, A. Tags: Digest Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 and homocysteine status during pregnancy in the metformin in gestational diabetes trial: responses to maternal metformin compared with insulin treatment†
ConclusionsTotal, but not bioavailable, vitamin B12 stores were depleted during pregnancy to a greater extent in metformin‐treated than in insulin‐treated women with GDM, but neither analyte differed between groups at any stage. This adds further evidence supporting metformin as a safe alternative treatment to insulin in GDM. Further investigation is needed to evaluate whether women treated with metformin for longer periods in pregnancy require additional B12 or other supplementation.
Source: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - February 28, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: K. L. Gatford, C. M. Houda, Z. X. Lu, S. Coat, P. A. Baghurst, J. A. Owens, K. Sikaris, J. A. Rowan, W. M. Hague Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Overnight automated type 1 diabetes control under MD‐logic closed‐loop system: a randomized crossover trial
ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate the ability of the MDLAP to safely improve overnight glucose control without increased risk of hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM at three different national, geographic, and clinical centers (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT 01238406).
Source: Pediatric Diabetes - February 28, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Revital Nimri, Thomas Danne, Olga Kordonouri, Eran Atlas, Natasa Bratina, Torban Biester, Magdalena Avbelj, Shahar Miller, Ido Muller, Moshe Phillip, Tadej Battelino Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GSK2239633, a CC-chemokine receptor 4 antagonist, in healthy male subjects: results from an open-label and from a randomised study
Conclusion: In conclusion, GSK2239633 was well-tolerated and capable of inhibiting TARC from activating the CCR4 receptor.
Source: BMC Clinical Pharmacology - February 28, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Anthony CahnSimon HodgsonRobert WilsonJonathan RobertsonJoanna WatsonMisba BeeraheeSteve HughesGraeme YoungRebecca GravesDavid HallSjoerd van MarleRoberto Solari Source Type: research

Bioenergetic study of murine hepatic tissue treated in vitro with atorvastatin
This study investigated in vitro effects of this agent on hepatic tissue respiration, ATP content, caspase activity, urea synthesis and histology. Liver fragments from Taylor Outbred and C57Bl/6 mice were incubated at 37[degree sign]C in Krebs-Henseleit buffer continuously gassed with 95% O2: 5% CO2 in the presence and absence of atorvastatin. Phosphorescence O2 analyzer that measured dissolved [O2] as a function of time was used to monitor cellular mitochondrial O2 consumption. The caspase-3 substrate N-acetyl-asp-glu-val-asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin was used to monitor caspase activity. The rates of hepatocyte respiratio...
Source: BMC Clinical Pharmacology - February 28, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Ali AlfazariBayan Al-DabbaghSaeeda AlmarzooqiAlia AlbawardiAbdul-Kader Souid Source Type: research

Increased risk of ischemic stroke in cervical cancer patients: a nationwide population-based study
Background: Increased risk of ischemic stroke has been validated for several cancers, but limited study evaluated this risk in cervical cancer patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke in cervical cancer patients. Methods: The study analyzed data from the 2003 to 2008 National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) provided by the National Health Research Institutes in Taiwan. Totally, 893 cervical cancer patients after radiotherapy and 1786 appendectomy patients were eligible. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the risk of ischemic stroke. Results...
Source: Radiation Oncology - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Shiang-Jiun TsaiYung-Sung HuangChien-Hsueh TungChing-Chih LeeMoon-Sing LeeWen-Yen ChiouHon-Yi LinFeng-Chun HsuChih-Hsin TsaiYu-Chieh SuShih-Kai Hung Source Type: research

Increased radiosensitivity and radiothermosensitivity of human pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines treated with the novel Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-HSP990
Conclusions: Treatment with NVP-HSP990 strongly sensitized U251 and MIA PaCa-2 cells to hyperthermia and ionizing radiation or combination thereof through augmentation of G2/M arrest, mitotic catastrophe and associated apoptosis.
Source: Radiation Oncology - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Du¿an Milanovi¿Elke FiratAnca GrosuGabriele Niedermann Source Type: research

Assessment of communication modes in patients and families with sickle cell disease
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Christopher Anderson, Sylvia Torres, Soumya Gokuli, Amanda M. Brandow, Julie A. Panepinto Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Essential medicines for pediatric oncology in developing countries
Abstract The burden of cancer in children in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is substantial, comprising at least 80% of incident cases globally, and an even higher proportion of cancer‐related deaths. With survival rates exceeding 80% in high income countries, it is imperative to transfer these successes to LMICs. A major challenge is the poor availability of safe, cost‐effective chemotherapy. A list of 51 drugs—chemotherapeutics, infectious disease agents, and supportive care medications—is proposed as essential to improving the survival of children with cancer in LMICs with an additional 13 drugs identifi...
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Parth S. Mehta, John T. Wiernikowski, J A. Sergio Petrilli, Ronald D. Barr, Tags: Special Report Source Type: research

Does referral to specialist paediatric palliative care services reduce hospital admissions in oncology patients at the end of life?
Does referral to specialist paediatric palliative care services reduce hospital admissions in oncology patients at the end of life? British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, February 28 2013. doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.89 Authors: L K Fraser, M van Laar, M Miller, J Aldridge, P A McKinney, R C Parslow & R G Feltbower
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: L K FraserM van LaarM MillerJ AldridgeP A McKinneyR C ParslowR G Feltbower Source Type: research

Childhood cancer and factors related to prolonged diagnostic intervals: a Danish population-based study
& P Vedsted
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: J M AhrensbergF OlesenR P HansenH SchrøderP Vedsted Source Type: research

Use of low-dose aspirin and non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of glioma: a case–control study
Use of low-dose aspirin and non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of glioma: a case–control study British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, February 28 2013. doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.87 Authors: D Gaist, L A García-Rodríguez, H T Sørensen, J Hallas & S Friis
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: D GaistL A García-RodríguezH T SørensenJ HallasS Friis Source Type: research

Adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: a randomised phase 3 trial of mitomycin-C plus either short-term doxifluridine or long-term doxifluridine plus cisplatin after curative D2 gastrectomy (AMC0201)
Oh, B K Park, H-Y Jung & B S Kim
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Y-K KangH-M ChangJ H YookM-H RyuI ParkY J MinD Y ZangG Y KimD H YangS J JangY S ParkJ-L LeeT W KimS T OhB K ParkH-Y JungB S Kim Source Type: research

A randomised phase II/III trial of 3-weekly cisplatin-based sequential transarterial chemoembolisation vs embolisation alone for hepatocellular carcinoma
A randomised phase II/III trial of 3-weekly cisplatin-based sequential transarterial chemoembolisation vs embolisation alone for hepatocellular carcinoma British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, February 28 2013. doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.85 Authors: T Meyer, A Kirkwood, M Roughton, S Beare, E Tsochatzis, D Yu, N Davies, E Williams, S P Pereira, D Hochhauser, A Mayer, R Gillmore, J O'Beirne, D Patch & A K Burroughs
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: T MeyerA KirkwoodM RoughtonS BeareE TsochatzisD YuN DaviesE WilliamsS P PereiraD HochhauserA MayerR GillmoreJ O'BeirneD PatchA K Burroughs Source Type: research