Numerical counterparts of GRB host galaxies

We explore galaxy properties in general and properties of host galaxies of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in particular, using N-body/Eulerian hydrodynamic simulations and the stellar population synthesis model, Starburst99, to infer observable properties. We identify simulated galaxies that have optical star formation rate (SFR) and SFR-to-luminosity ratio similar to those observed in a well-defined sample of ten host galaxies. Each of the numerical counterparts are found in catalogs at the same redshifts as the observed hosts. The counterparts are found to be low-mass galaxies, with low mass-to-light ratio, recent epoch of formation, and high ratio between the SFR and the average of the SFR. When compared to the overall galaxy population, they have colors much bluer than the high-mass star-forming galaxy population. Although their SFRs span a range of values, the specific rates of the numerical counterparts are equal to or higher than the median values estimated at the different redshifts. We also emphasize the strong relationships between the specific star formation rate (SFR) and quantities known to reflect the star formation history of galaxies, i.e. color and mass-to-light ratio: At intermediate redshift, the faintest and bluest galaxies are also the objects with the highest specific rates. These results suggest that GRB host galaxies are likely to be drawn from the high specific SFR sub-population of galaxies, rather than the high SFR galaxy population. Finally, as indicated by our catalogs, in an extended sample, the majority of GRB host galaxies is expected to have specific SFRs higher than found in the magnitude-limited sample studied here.Comment: 11 pages, 11 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Problems Associated with Deprescribing of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are recommended as a first-line treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other acid related disorders. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the increasing prevalence of patients on long-term PPI therapy and inappropriate PPI use. It is well known that short-term PPI therapy is generally well tolerated and safe; however, their extensive long-term use is a major global issue. One of these long-standing concerns is PPI-induced gastrin elevation secondary to hypoacidity. Hypergastrinemia is believed to play a role in rebound hyperacidity when PPIs are discontinued resulting in induced dyspeptic symptoms that might result in the reinstitution of therapy. Gastrin exerts tropic effects in the stomach, especially on enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, and concerns have also been raised regarding the potential progression to dysplasia or tumor formation following long-term therapy. It is well known that a substantial number of patients on long-term PPI therapy can discontinue PPIs without recurrence of symptoms in deprescribing trials. What is unknown is how sustainable deprescribing should be undertaken in practice and how effective it is in terms of reducing long-term outcomes like adverse drug events, morbidity and mortality. Moreover, there is no clear consensus on when and how deprescribing strategies should be attempted in practice. This review sought to summarize the harms and benefits of long-term PPI therapy with special focus on gastrin elevation and its relation to deprescribing studies and future interventions that may improve PPI use

Clinical trial: marine lipid suppositories as laxatives.

To access publisher's full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field.Cod-liver oil and other marine products containing polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects and may be useful in the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious diseases. We developed suppositories and ointment with 30% free fatty acid (FFA) extract from omega-3 fish oil. Our purpose was to evaluate the safety of marine lipid suppositories and ointment in healthy volunteers and to explore the laxative effect of the suppositories. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized either to a study group administrating 30% FFA suppositories and applying 30% FFA ointment to the perianal region twice per day for two weeks, or to a control group using placebo suppositories and ointment in a double blinded manner. No serious toxic effects or irritation were observed. In the study group 93% felt the urge to defecate after administration of the suppositories as compared to 37% in the control group (P = 0.001). Subsequently 90% in the study group defecated, compared to 33% in the control group (P = 0.001). The marine lipid suppositories and ointment were well tolerated with no significant toxic side effects observed during the study period. The suppositories have a distinct laxative effect and we aim to explore this effect in further clinical trials

Severe cholestatic hepatitis due to large vessel vasculitis: report of two cases

Publisher's version (útgefin grein)Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis of medium and large sized vessels that occurs most often in people >50 years of age with associated symptoms of fever, weight loss, headache and jaw claudication. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which is characterized by aching and stiffness in the shoulders, hip girdle, neck and torso, is intimately associated with GCA, and evidence suggests that GCA and PMR are two phases of the same disease. The occurrence of liver enzyme abnormalities in either of these conditions is rare. Furthermore, as these conditions occur most commonly in the elderly population who may be subject to polypharmacy, patients with elevated aminotransferases due to underlying GCA/PMR may mistakenly have their abnormal liver function tests attributed to drug-induced liver injury. Given the potential complications of these diseases if left untreated, including ischemic stroke and blindness, early recognition and treatment are critical. We report two patients who developed severe cholestatic liver enzyme elevation, which had been initially attributed to drug toxicity, but was ultimately caused by large vessel vasculitis, specifically GCA and PMR.Peer Reviewe

Biologic and Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Liver Injury: A Systematic Literature Review

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadBiologics are among the most commonly prescribed medications for several chronic inflammatory diseases. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, more so than other agents, have been observed to cause drug-induced liver injury. Additionally, because the approval and popularity of checkpoint inhibitors have grown, similar patterns of liver injury have been documented, with a majority of cases describing immune-mediated hepatitis. Although the exact mechanism of injury is unknown, various host and medication characteristics play a role in the outcome of the molecular cascade invoked by biologics. Prognosis is usually favorable with cessation of the offending agent, but cases of acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation have also been observed. Therefore, algorithms have been created to assist clinicians in treating drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis, mostly with corticosteroids. Additionally, case reports have documented successfully rechallenging patients with a different biologic without recurrence of liver injury, but data are limited. Further investigation is warranted regarding the potential for cross-reactivity and mechanism of injury to develop guidelines to aid clinicians in further management of these patients

A cross-sectional study on nutrient intake and -status in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked Files. This article is open access.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be associated with nutritional problems. The aim of this study was to investigate diet and nutritional status of IBD patients.A total of 78 participants (35 men and 43 women aged 18-74 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The majority (80 %) of the participant received infliximab treatment. Participants filled out disease related questionnaires and 31 participants also a 3-day food record. Body composition was measured and blood samples analysed in order to estimate nutritional status.The majority (87 %) claimed that diet affects digestive tract symptoms and 72 % had changed diet accordingly. The most common foods restricted were dairy products (60 %), processed meat (55 %), soft drinks (46 %), alcohol (45 %) and fast food (44 %). Body mass index was mostly in the overweight range but 46 % of the participants had been diagnosed with some nutritional deficiency since IBD diagnosis (most common was iron deficiency: 39 %). Patients who restricted meat products had lower ferritin values (48 ± 39 vs. 95 ± 74 μg/L, P = 0.011). Intake of vitamin D and calcium were not adequate (65 % below recommeded intake for both) and 60 % had poor vitamin D status.IBD patients often change their dietary intake in order to affect digestive tract symptoms. Many patients have a history of nutrient deficiency. Restriction of dairy and meat consumption is common and is negatively associated with intake or status of micronutrients like calcium and iron. Dietary advice by a dietitian and use of potentially helpful dietary supplements is indicated.Science funds of the Landspitali- The National University Hospital of Icelan

Clinical trial: free fatty acid suppositories compared with enema as bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked Files. This article is open access.The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recently developed suppositories containing free fatty acids as a bowel-cleansing agent prior to flexible sigmoidoscopy and compare them with Klyx (docusate sodium/sorbitol).A controlled, non-inferiority, single-blind, randomised study on outpatients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy.Department of Gastroenterology, Landspitali-University Hospital and endoscopic clinic.53 outpatients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy.Participants were randomised to receive either free fatty acid suppositories (28) or a standard bowel preparation with Klyx enema (25). In the study group, two suppositories were administered the evening before as well as 2 h prior to the sigmoidoscopy. In the control group, Klyx enema (120 mL) was administered the evening before and repeated 2 h prior to the procedure.Quality of the bowel cleansing, height of scope insertion and safety.The mean height of scope insertion and bowel cleansing was 43 cm (SD=13.4) in the study group and 48 cm (SD=10.4) in the control group (NS). The investigating physicians were less satisfied with the bowel preparation in the study group compared with the control group with a difference of 20% (p<0.016). The amount of faeces noted in the rectum was similar in both groups with no significant difference (p<0.56). No serious side effects, toxic reaction or irritation were observed.The suppositories are well tolerated with no significant side effects. The suppositories had distinct bowel emptying effect and as effective as Klyx in rectal cleansing. Although physician's satisfaction was slightly lower, the height of scope insertion was similar.EudraCT nr.: 2010-018761-35

Bicalutamide-Associated Acute Liver Injury and Migratory Arthralgia: A Rare but Clinically Important Adverse Effect

Publisher's version (útgefin grein).We describe a case of acute liver injury and migratory arthralgia in a patient receiving bicalutamide treatment for prostate cancer. A 67-year-old male with metastatic prostate cancer presented with a 6-day history of migratory arthralgia. He had been undergoing treatment with bicalutamide for 4 months; 3 weeks prior to symptom appearance the bicalutamide dose had been increased. He had no other symptoms. Liver tests and inflammatory markers were markedly elevated. Serology for hepatitis viruses A, B, and C, CMV, and EBV and autoimmune causes were all negative, and an ultrasound of the upper abdomen was normal. There was no history of blood transfusion, intravenous drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Due to the suspicion of a drug-induced symptomatology, bicalutamide was discontinued and the patient started on 30 mg prednisolone daily. Three weeks later he was symptom free and after 6 weeks his liver tests were almost normal. The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) suggested a high probability of liver injury. Bicalutamide has very rarely been reported as a causative agent for liver injury and to our knowledge never for migratory polyarthralgia. The migratory polyarthralgia was attributed to bicalutamide due to the absence of other etiological factors and the disappearance of symptoms after discontinuation of the drug. To our knowledge, this is the first published case report of migratory arthralgia and concomitant liver injury attributed to bicalutamide.Peer Reviewe

Energy Injection in GRB Afterglow Models

We extend the standard fireball model, widely used to interpret gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow light curves, to include energy injections, and apply the model to the afterglow light curves of GRB 990510, GRB 000301C and GRB 010222. We show that discrete energy injections can cause temporal variations in the optical light curves and present fits to the light curves of GRB 000301C as an example. A continuous injection may be required to interpret other bursts such as GRB 010222. The extended model accounts reasonably well for the observations in all bands ranging from X-rays to radio wavelengths. In some cases, the radio light curves indicate that additional model ingredients may be needed.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa